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NFL - The Athletic fantasy football takes on Patrick Mahomes
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from NFL - The Athletic about Patrick Mahomes.
9
Insights
4
Positive
2
Negative
Insight ledger
All NFL - The Athletic insights about Patrick Mahomes
NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Patrick Mahomes underwent knee surgery during the offseason and entered a rehabilitation process alongside Zach Ertz, who had the same procedure; the two became motivational partners during their recovery.NegativeProjectionAug 4, 2026
A defensive coach believes Mahomes remains a Tier 1 quarterback but notes that his physical conditioning and leg strength will be critical to his sustained elite performance. The coach observed that while Mahomes' legs are strong, his overall physique is not as refined as Josh Allen's, and if his legs decline, he could fall off quicker than expected. Getting into the best possible shape is viewed as important for the second half of his career.PositiveProjectionAug 4, 2026
Despite one Tier 2 vote, Mahomes commanded 191 of 200 possible top-tier votes and remains the clear Tier 1 leader. A veteran coach dismissed decline concerns by comparing Mahomes to Joe Montana, who faced similar questions after three one-and-done playoff exits in the 1980s but then won two MVPs and two Super Bowls over the next three seasons. An offensive coordinator stated he would not expect a drop-off in Mahomes' mobility, citing his unbelievable core strength, quickness, agility, vision, and feel to create plays. Kenneth Walker III's free agency addition could restore the ground game for Mahomes.NegativeProjectionAug 4, 2026
Mahomes is no longer a unanimous Tier 1 QB for the first time since 2022; one GM placed him in Tier 2, citing concerns about his ability to carry the team without a run game, his scramble rate climbing to a career-high 9% last season, and questions about whether he will deteriorate physically coming off a torn ACL. The GM noted the Chiefs were not as impressive in one-possession games in 2025 compared to their historically lucky 2024 season, and questioned whether Mahomes' mobility will hold up.PositiveMatchupNo date
Erin Andrews expressed enthusiasm about interviewing Patrick Mahomes in postgame settings, noting "Anytime you get Mahomes in a postgame, you're just pumped" due to his exciting play and quality answers.NegativeProjectionNo date
Mahomes went to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 10th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the same draft where Myles Garrett was selected No. 1; with hindsight, no general manager would pass up the chance to take Mahomes over Garrett now, illustrating the importance of the quarterback position in the NFL.PositiveProjectionNo date
Mahomes signed an NFL record $504.75 million contract extension through 2033, adding two years to his previous deal and securing him under contract for at least three years longer than any other active quarterback; the extension represents a landmark deal for a once-in-a-lifetime player per Chiefs GM Brett Veach. He is progressing well from mid-December knee surgery for a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, having participated in installs, individual drills, and 7-on-7 during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, though still being held out of 11-on-11 team settings as a precaution. His goal is to return for the Chiefs' season-opening home game against Denver on Sept. 14. Even while sidelined from full team drills, Mahomes serves as a critical voice during practices, jawing at defenders during 7-on-7 drills to turn up competitiveness and shouting out encouragement to teammates; Chiefs GM Brett Veach described him as the 'ultimate leader,' lauding his extensive rehab work and noting that when he showed up to the facility on a recent Monday, Mahomes was the only other person there.PositiveProjectionNo date
Mahomes signed a record-setting extension with the Kansas City Chiefs at $64 million in average annual value, surpassing Dak Prescott's previous high of $60 million. The source notes Mahomes has spent the past seven years as a Tier 1 selection in The Athletic's annual Quarterback Tiers and is now rightfully positioned at the top of the NFL market as the best quarterback in the league being paid as such.NegativeProjectionNo date
Mahomes is the only current quarterback with a realistic chance to approach Brady's 7 Super Bowl wins record; he has 3 Super Bowl victories and recently signed a $504.75 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs through 2033, keeping him in position to potentially reach Brady's mark if he can avoid injury and continue winning championships at age 30 and beyond.