The Kansas City Chiefs have retained many starters from Super Bowl LIV and assembled quite the roster for the 2020 season. General manager Brett Veach has managed to add and keep some players at well below market value too. Here’s a look at five of the best bargain contracts the Chiefs currently have on the roster for the upcoming season.
QB Patrick Mahomes
Average Salary: $4.1 million per Spotrac
Let’s start with the most obvious.
Any time you have the former NFL MVP and reigning Super Bowl MVP on his rookie contract, it’s going to be considered a bargain. He might not be on his rookie deal for much longer as negotiations for a contract extension are reportedly underway. That means we need to enjoy this while we still have it.
Even if Mahomes and the Chiefs don’t reach an extension in 2020, his salary jumps significantly in 2021 because of his fifth-year option. He’ll make over $24 million as it stands now, but that number could be adjusted based on the 2021 salary cap.
Even if Mahomes faces statistical regression during the 2020 season, he’s widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL. The money they’re paying him is a deal and then some. Right now, there are 26 teams spending more money on the quarterback position than the Chiefs in 2020.
DT Mike Pennel
Average Salary: $1.04 million per Spotrac
Pennel was the free-agent signing that transformed the Chiefs’ run defense in 2019. His performance plugged a seemingly endless sieve of rushing yards. By the end of the season, he had the second-highest run-stop percentage (13.3%) in and the most tackles per missed tackle (31.0) in the AFC West per PFF.
A native of Topeka, Kansas, Pennel quickly established himself as a leader in Kansas City. He even gave a fiery speech ahead of Super Bowl LIV. In 2020, there will be 79 defensive tackles that will make more money than Pennel. His contract will most certainly be a deal if he continues his top-notch defensive performance.
RB Damien Williams
Average Salary: $2.5 million per Spotrac
Williams didn’t have a great 2019 season, but during the postseason and Super Bowl LIV, he was one of the most impressive players on the team. He amassed 66 touches for 290 yards and six touchdowns. Despite his great postseason play, Williams will have to fight to be the starter in an open competition in 2020.
There are currently 29 running backs in the NFL that will make more than Williams in 2020. Even if Williams isn’t the starter, and splits carries with rookie RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, this feels like a good value for the Chiefs. He has the ability to play that complementary role, but also can step in and be the lead running back if need be.
CB Charvarius Ward
Average Salary: $570K
Ward took a big step forward in 2019, starting 16 games at right cornerback for the Chiefs. In those 16 games, Ward recorded 74 total tackles, two interceptions, 10 passes defended and a forced fumble. During the postseason he added another nine tackles and a pass defended.
There are over 147 cornerbacks in the NFL who are set to be paid more than Ward will make during the 2020 NFL season. Ward is expected to take an even bigger step in 2020, which will mark his third season. If he does, he’ll easily be considered one of the best values in the NFL.
DE Taco Charlton
Average Salary: $825K
Charlton is a former first-round draft pick by the Cowboys and his career hasn’t gone according to plan. The athlete didn’t have much production in Dallas and was waived last season. He landed with the Dolphins, where he had more success, but he still hasn’t meet the expectations of a first-round draft pick.
Charlton’s contract with the Chiefs is a unique one. He has no guaranteed money attached to his deal, meaning he’s not a lock to make the 53-man roster in Kansas City. If Charlton does turn around and impress during training camp and make the team, there will be 108 defensive ends paid more than him. That’s certainly one way for the team to offset Frank Clark’s massive contract.
