There has been an ongoing debate whether Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes will be taking up NFL GOAT, Tom Brady’s record. Even though the chances seem to be nil, Mahomes is surely walking on the path paved by Brady.
While being a part of the New England Patriots, Brady avoided taking pay cuts by adhering to the route of restructuring contracts. Cut to present times, Dan Patrick came up with insights as the two-time MVP carried the Chiefs on his back since 2018. Mahomes takes refuge in Brady’s blueprint to sustain success.
Brady’s strategic game of contract structuring
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In the March 13 episode of the “Dan Patrick Show,” the NFL analyst shared a glimpse into Mahome Brady’s tenure with the Patriots. Highlighting the quarterback’s strategy, he placed his opinion, stating, “Tom Brady restructured his contract quite a few times in New England. Now he didn’t take pay cuts, he just restructured it. He got paid all that money he wasn’t a mercenary. It’s just you’re shifting the money well six Super Bowls later in New England and we know how that helped that team.”
Throughout his illustrious career with the Patriots, apart from showcasing his prowess on the field, Brady orchestrated great negotiation skills. In a bold move, the NFL legend agreed to restructure his contract in March 2012. He and the program decided to reconfigure the 2010 deal that had $5.75 million as a base salary by reducing it to $950,000. A year later, due to his desire to play even in his 40s, he signed a $27 million restructured extension with the Patriots.
Again in 2014, he restructured his 2012 salary to $950,000 from $5.75 million and helped clear a $7.2 million cap space by converting his roster bonus to a signing bonus. This opens up a discussion about Mahomes adopting the same strategy.
Mahomes’ move in offering Chiefs a cap relief
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City Chiefs’ Mahomes seems to have acquired faith from Brady and have agreed to make certain changes to the existing contract. As the off-season has hit, the program has been carrying a hefty cap of over $58 million for the upcoming season. In such a crucial time, Mahomes came to their rescue and by restructuring his contract, the quarterback has freed up more than $21 million in cap space.
With a base salary of $9.85 million along with additional bonuses, Mahomes’ contract put significant strain on the Chiefs, provided the cap situation. Providing the amount they have created, it gives rise to the opportunity of re-signing their own free agents and fulfilling their need for a new left tackle.
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Interestingly, this was not the first time that Mahomes made this move from his side. Back in 2021, he adjusted his 10-year contract worth $450 million. Now that Mahomes needs to break more records to catch up with legendary Brady, it is to be seen how the City Chiefs quarterback excels in the future.
