Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs' signed the most lucrative contract in the history of professional sports yesterday, as he put pen to a 10-year extension that could keep him at the franchise until 2031.

The star player will reportedly earn $450 million dollars over ten years, provided he remains with the franchise for the duration of the contract, according to ESPN.

Mike Carlson joined OTB AM on Tuesday morning to discuss the deal, and what this means for the National Football League moving forward.

Having already captured a Superbowl title in 2020, and the league's NFL's Most Valuable Player award in 2018, the sky is the limit for Mahomes, according to Carlson.

"His peak is still to come, and that's partly because they're still adding pieces for him. I think his ceiling is probably pretty unlimited, given the team will be structured around him and the way he makes players better," Carlson said.

While the Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will be delighted to have seen the organisation tie down Mahomes to a long-term contract, Carlson was quick to highlight the impact that Mahomes could have on the broader NFL sphere, in the future.

"We're now in the age of Mahomes. When you spell Mahomes that last S is a dollar sign," he said.

With the sheer number of players involved in a single game, it is hard for one player to stamp his authority on any contest. Mahomes is about as close as any one player can be to doing that, according to Carlson.

Technically- speaking, Mahomes has shown the ability to be able to make outstanding passes while seemingly offset by opposition players challenging him.

The Texan has proven himself uniquely able to make exciting plays while under pressure, his sound decision making usually leads to him being able to assess the game with patience as outlined by Cian Fahey here.

"The best quarterbacks make spectacular plays when they're forced to. The rest of the time they're making the offense effective by getting to the most efficient options."

"That requires poise, intelligence and timing. Traits Mahomes has in abundance."

The question is how much can the Chiefs progress with Mahomes leading them going forward?

Can they become a dynasty, akin to the New England Patriots?

Carlson feels with the intelligence of Reid on the sideline this may be possible. Reid has proven to be astute at adding players to suit the offense he feels Mahomes can operate on the field.

"He [Reid] keeps adding pieces for him, versatile, fast, down-field pieces, that he can use to play at all the different levels offensively, knowing Mahomes has this innate ability to see things on different levels, to keep plays alive, and see downfield," he said.

It is his wider appeal that can help the NFL continue to expand globally, however, and Carlson was keen to stress this.

The Superbowl win pushed Mahomes even further into the spotlight, and it began to become apparent he was the new face of the league.

"You saw it in their march to the Superbowl, you got the feeling that Mahomes is going to be the next face of the NFL. He plays with the kind of highlight reel, every week. It's kind of like the old days of the NBA, and Sportscenter and Michael Jordan, let's show three dunks from tonight's game."

The length and size of the contract have come into question, especially with concerns that injury could derail Mahomes' sensational progress.

On this issue, Carlson said that the "outs" specified in the contract gives both parties an exit strategy if that were necessary, although it isn't something he sees happening.

The Chiefs are still liable for the guaranteed money offered to Mahomes, which is a sizeable amount.

In Carlson's eyes, the upside to Mahomes outweighs any negatives with the size of the deal, and the threat of potential injuries.

Carlson applauded Reid's ability to look toward the long-term future of the team.

"I kind of applaud Andy Reid, for being so creative and looking so far ahead, and being decisive, saying this is my guy I want to keep him and I'll build around him as best I can."

The full interview with Mike Carlson can be viewed above.

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