KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The most anticipated contract negotiation in NFL history is underway, in some form. Hard to know exactly where things stand. Parties on either side aren’t talking about it, not even privately.
There is too much at stake. We are left with only a few certainties.
First, Patrick Mahomes will be the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Second, his next contract has the power to change such negotiations in the league forever.
“We’re all watching,” said one NFL agent.
“If anybody ever had leverage in the history of the world, it’s your quarterback,” said another.
“He can do whatever he wants,” said a third.
These are among the handful of agents who spoke for this column over the last few weeks, each given the anonymity to speak freely.
Chris Cabott, president and COO of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, represents Mahomes. He declined to speak for this column, but several who did want him to know they’re rooting for him.
“This is one of those contracts that could help all of us,” one agent said.
One possibility that would have players around the league lighting celebratory cigars: Mahomes tying his salaries to a percentage of the salary cap.
“The holy grail,” in the words of one agent.
The attraction is multifold. From the players’ perspective, it could be a tool that encourages owners to spend closer to the cap, which would mean more money paid out. It would also set a new precedent, adding options for future negotiations on a point no team has been willing to concede.
“To me, that’s a hill the owners will die on,” one agent said.
But what about now? Because this comes at a particularly interesting moment. Even assuming a full season is played, stadiums will almost certainly be devoid of fans, at least in the beginning.
