Patrick Mahomes Still $10 Million Behind Justin Herbert for 2025 Despite Major Contract Restructure

When Patrick Mahomes signed his record-breaking 10-year, $450 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, it was hailed as a game-changer for the NFL quarterback market. At an average of $45 million per year, Mahomes set a new standard for superstar pay. Fast-forward to 2025, and the landscape looks very different: Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time MVP, is not even among the top ten quarterbacks in average annual salary. In fact, he trails division rival Justin Herbert—who has yet to win a playoff game—by a whopping $10 million in projected cash earnings next season.

The Numbers Behind the Contracts

Mahomes’ deal, though historic in length and total value, now seems modest compared to newer quarterback contracts. His 2020 extension included $141 million guaranteed, a figure that was massive at the time. But in 2023, Justin Herbert signed a five-year, $262.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, featuring $218.7 million guaranteed and a $16.1 million signing bonus. Herbert’s average annual salary? $52.5 million—well above Mahomes’ $45 million.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mahomes will see a bump in cash earnings, thanks to a contract restructure. He’ll earn $1.2 million in base salary, $47.7 million in restructure bonus, and a $1 million workout bonus, totaling $50 million. Herbert, meanwhile, will pocket $60 million: a $15 million base salary and a $45 million signing bonus, giving him a clear $10 million edge over Mahomes in that year.

Why the Gap Exists

The discrepancy is not about talent or accomplishments. Mahomes is widely considered the best quarterback in football, with a resume that dwarfs Herbert’s. The difference comes down to timing and contract structure .

– Timing: When Mahomes signed his deal in 2020, $45 million per year was a market-setting figure. Since then, quarterback salaries have exploded, with new contracts regularly topping $55 million per year. Mahomes could have pressed for a renegotiation to keep pace, but he hasn’t.
– Structure: Herbert’s contract was designed to keep his cap hit under 20% of the Chargers’ salary cap each season, giving the team flexibility. His 2025 earnings are front-loaded, resulting in a dramatic drop to $24 million in 2026. Mahomes’ contract, meanwhile, is more evenly distributed, with his cap hit exceeding 20% of the Chiefs’ cap in 2026 and 2027, but remaining under 11% in 2025.

Mahomes’ Team-First Approach

So why hasn’t Mahomes demanded a new deal in line with today’s quarterback market? The answer lies in his priorities. Mahomes has consistently put the Chiefs’ success ahead of his own financial gain. By accepting a contract that gives Kansas City breathing room under the salary cap, he has enabled the team to sign free agents, retain core players, and build a roster capable of sustained championship runs.

For Mahomes, the trade-off is clear: win Super Bowls, not salary negotiations . His willingness to sacrifice top dollar for team flexibility is rare among superstar athletes—and it’s a big reason why the Chiefs remain perennial contenders.

The Bottom Line

In 2025, Justin Herbert will make $10 million more than Patrick Mahomes. But by 2026, the tables will turn, with Mahomes earning $56.7 million to Herbert’s $24 million. The fluctuation highlights how contract structure and timing shape the NFL’s financial landscape.

More importantly, Mahomes’ approach underscores a fundamental truth: championships matter more than paychecks . In choosing team success over individual earnings, Mahomes has set a new kind of standard—one that may prove even more valuable than his historic contract.

In the end, Mahomes’ legacy will be measured not by his salary, but by his rings. And if his contract helps the Chiefs keep winning, that’s a deal any quarterback—and any fan—would take.