Patrick Mahomes Joined the Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft
Patrick Mahomes was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 10th overall pick. He was drafted out of Texas Tech University and immediately became the franchise quarterback on the roster. The Chiefs traded up to secure him, signaling a long-term bet on his arm talent and athleticism according to Forbes.
Mahomes signed his rookie contract with the Chiefs shortly after the draft, setting the foundation for his early career in Kansas City. The deal included standard rookie protections and incentives tied to performance milestones. His path to the starting role began in training camp that same summer, as he competed for snaps behind Alex Smith per ESPN.
Mahomes Became the Chiefs Starting Quarterback in 2018
2018 Season and Immediate Impact
Mahomes started his first NFL regular-season game for the Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2018 season after Alex Smith suffered a season-ending leg injury. He finished the year with over 3,000 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration. His performance helped the Chiefs reach the AFC Championship Game that winter.
The Chiefs' decision to transition to Mahomes as the starter reshaped the team's offensive identity around his arm strength and improvisational play. Coaching staff installed a more dynamic passing scheme designed to leverage his mobility and deep-ball accuracy. That season marked the beginning of a sustained run of high-level production for both Mahomes and the Kansas City offense per NFL.com.
Mahomes Contract Extensions and Long-Term Role with the Chiefs
Super Bowl MVP and Contract Milestones
Mahomes led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl LIV victory in February 2020 and was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for over 280 yards and two touchdowns. Following that championship run, he signed a record-setting contract extension with the Chiefs in 2020 that made him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. The deal included massive guarantees and performance incentives tied to passing yards and wins.
As of the latest available public data, Mahomes remains the Chiefs' primary quarterback and central figure in their offensive system. His contract structure reflects his status as the franchise cornerstone, with extensions and incentives aligned to long-term team success. He continues to rank among the league leaders in passing yards, touchdowns, and quarterback rating each season on the official NFL player page.
Chiefs Quarterback Timeline and Franchise Direction
The Chiefs built their roster around Mahomes through multiple draft cycles and free-agency moves, prioritizing offensive weapons and line protection. His presence has directly influenced the team's salary-cap allocation and cap space planning for future seasons. The franchise has consistently positioned Mahomes as the long-term starter and centerpiece of its football operations strategy referencing SEC filings for public companies with sports-linked investments.