Titans deal with Ryan Tannehill looks smarter after Mahomes blockbuster
By Will Lomas
The Tennessee Titans actually got a steal with Tannehill.
Before we get to the Titans quarterback, this has to start with the historic contract that Patrick Mahomes signed yesterday.
When I say historic, I don’t mean “Wow, what a good deal for a young quarterback!” I mean, “Wow, Mahomes just agreed to make half a billion dollars before he turns 35.”
On top of his current deal, Mahomes will be under contract for $450 million over 10 years. That means that for the next dozen years the Kansas City Chiefs will have their quarterback (barring negotiating a new deal which he will almost certainly do if the market passes him).
To put that in perspective, Adam Schefter posted a great graphic:
Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million extension that could be worth up to $503 million, per sources. The extension includes a $141.48 million injury guarantee, as well as a no-trade clause. It marks the first time an NFL player has had sports’ most lucrative deal. pic.twitter.com/kohX8rFSFN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 7, 2020
Great for Mahomes and great for the NFL, but why is this the start to a story about Ryan Tannehill?
Well, you may remember that the Titans were faced with a dilemma this offseason about how they should manage Tannehill and Derrick Henry before free agency. Both were set to hit the market and the Titans didn’t have enough cap to spend on them and be aggressive in free agency.
Ultimately the Titans decided to lock in Derrick Henry with a franchise tag given the nature and market of the RB position, and lock Ryan Tannehill up with a big contract.