Patrick Mahomes Money Per Game: A Detailed Look

Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been a sensation in the NFL since he entered the league. His playmaking ability and leadership have earned him a significant salary, but how does his money per game stack up against his peers? Let’s dive into the details.

Base Salary and Bonuses

Mahomes’ base salary for the 2021 season was $14.5 million, which is a substantial amount for any player. However, when considering his signing bonus, the total amount he received from the Chiefs was a staggering $45.5 million. This bonus is a one-time payment that is not included in his annual salary but is a significant portion of his overall earnings.

Contract Structure

Mahomes’ contract is structured in a way that rewards him for his performance. He has a $20 million option bonus that he must exercise by March 15, 2023, to remain with the Chiefs. If he does not exercise this option, his salary for the 2023 season will be reduced to the non-guaranteed amount of $1.5 million. This structure incentivizes Mahomes to perform at a high level to ensure his long-term financial security.

Per Game Earnings

With a base salary of $14.5 million and a signing bonus of $45.5 million, Mahomes’ total earnings for the 2021 season were $60 million. To determine his money per game, we divide this total by the number of games he played. In 2021, Mahomes played 17 games, so his money per game was approximately $3.53 million.

Here is a breakdown of his earnings per game:

Year	Base Salary	Signing Bonus	Total Earnings	Games Played	Money Per Game
2021	$14.5 million	$45.5 million	$60 million	17	$3.53 million
2022	$20 million	$0	$20 million	17	$1.18 million

Comparison to Other Quarterbacks

When comparing Mahomes’ money per game to other quarterbacks, he ranks among the top earners. In 2021, he was the second-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, trailing only Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson’s money per game was $3.75 million, which is slightly higher than Mahomes’ $3.53 million.

Here is a comparison of Mahomes’ money per game to other top quarterbacks in 2021:

Quarterback	Team	Money Per Game
Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City Chiefs	$3.53 million
Russell Wilson	Seattle Seahawks	$3.75 million
Tom Brady	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	$3.25 million
Deshaun Watson	Houston Texans	$3.21 million

Performance and Value

While Mahomes’ money per game is impressive, it’s essential to consider his performance and value to the team. In 2021, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl appearance, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the loss, Mahomes was named the Super Bowl MVP, showcasing his exceptional playmaking ability.

Mahomes has also been a consistent performer throughout his career, leading the Chiefs