Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes just signed a major contract extension ousting Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Russell Wilson as the highest-paid player in the league.
Financials aside and ahead of the 2020 season, ESPN questioned more than 50 executives, coaches, scouts, and players to put together its rankings of the top quarterbacks around the NFL.
Once again, Mahomes lands ahead of Russell Wilson in the top spot. Wilson, however, remains right behind him at No. 2 overall.
“Wilson dominated the second-place voting as he leans into his prime years, gaining strength while his peers age,” writes ESPN staff writer Jeremy Fowler. “He’s coming off one of his most efficient seasons with a 6.2 touchdown-interception ratio, tops for anyone who also ranked top-10 in passing yardage.”
The argument can be made that Wilson is able to put up his impressive numbers despite not having a superstar roster surrounding him on the field at all times.
“Wilson thrives off unscripted plays so much that some don’t consider him a rhythm-and-timing passer,” Fowler continues. “Former Seahawks receivers are known to have to recalibrate their route running after years of just scrambling to get open in Seattle. But who really cares when Wilson is tied with Mahomes with 17 touchdowns under duress since 2018, despite having a lesser supporting cast?”
So heading into the season, Wilson will have yet another reason to prove that he’s truly deserving of being named the best quarterback in the league.
