Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 1574 - 1573: The Master Blueprint

To be precise, Mahomes is indeed the second step in Veach’s ten-year plan, but the contract renewal is not easy, as quarterback negotiations are more difficult than those of running backs.

Veach almost simultaneously began the contract renewal negotiations for both Li Wei and Mahomes, but the progress was starkly different. He also knew it required time and patience, to look at the long-term, and not to rush things. The more important something is, the more steady one must be, hence Veach demonstrated his multitasking ability.

While the second step was underway, the third step had already been put on the agenda—— 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Hill!

Last offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs and Hill completed a contract renewal, a three-year deal worth 54 million US Dollars, with both sides smoothly signing.

For a wide receiver, this is not considered a top-tier contract, especially after Li Wei’s contract shocked the league, sweeping away all attention, leading people not to focus much on Hill.

But why did Cheetah sign so easily?

As one of the most gifted wide receivers currently in the league and at the peak of his game, Hill clearly could pursue a bigger contract, but he didn’t.

Why?

Does Hill not have ambition?

No, in fact, Hill has always believed he deserved a top contract and has actively strived for it through his agent.

However, in the offseason, Hill was accused of child abuse, and the news became a massive uproar, prompting the league to immediately intervene and investigate.

The incident happened at Hill’s home, where his three-year-old son with his fiancée suffered a broken arm. The hospital’s examination suggested it might be an abusive violent incident, which they reported to the police, and Kansas City police got involved, repeatedly visiting Hill’s home for questioning.

Soon after, a recording was revealed.

In the recording, Hill and his fiancée had an argument, with his fiancée stating that their son was afraid of Hill’s actions and that Hill often lost his temper at home; in a fit of rage, Hill threatened his fiancée, "You should be afraid of me too."

This recording’s release sparked public concern, with many believing Hill’s violent behavior might be out of control.

Eventually, the prosecutor announced that, though evidence indicated criminal activity, it was unclear who caused the child’s injury and thus pressed no charges against anyone. But they warned that if similar incidents occurred again, they might lose custody of their child.

Meanwhile, the NFL also formed an investigation team to conduct an independent investigation into the matter——

Even after a thorough investigation, the league concluded that based on the current evidence, Hill wouldn’t face league penalties nor would there be further investigation.

However, no one has forgotten the numerous player violence incidents the league experienced in late 2018, spreading from the NFL to the NCAA, with Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Hunter among those involved, leading to his job loss due to solid evidence, and the league taking it very seriously.

As a result, in less than half a year, Hill was once again embroiled in a storm, placing the Kansas City Chiefs under the spotlight and enduring immense pressure.

With suspicion and accusations surrounding Hill persistently lingering despite neither police nor the league pressing further charges and despite the police report indicating violent behavior, Hill’s market value plummeted significantly.

It was against this backdrop that Veach showed sincerity, offering a fair contract without heavily underpricing it.

Grateful, Hill decisively signed it. Although he couldn’t secure a top-tier league contract, Hill kept his job and participated in an undefeated season and three consecutive championships with the team, immersing the ambitious Cheetah in joy and happiness without any regrets.

After twists and turns, the situation ultimately did not deviate from its path.

This offseason, Veach is still methodically advancing his plan. With all eyes focused on Mahomes, Brady, and Watt, Veach’s target was Kelsey. After a tug of war, both parties eventually reached an amicable agreement.

Four years, 57 million US Dollars.

This contract, for the current top tight end in the league, is indeed undervalued, not only less than Li Wei’s but also less than Hill’s, defying the upward trend of tight end valuations in recent years. This is a deal that has many gasping in disbelief.

Hill made tactical concessions due to negative news, so what about Kelsey?

"I like it here. I like the rookie, I like Patrick, and I like playing in Kansas City. I hope to continue staying here."

This was Kelsey’s answer.

But clearly, no one believed such an official and courteous answer, which obviously sounded like a diplomatic response.

Under the relentless probing and exploration of reporters, Kelsey’s agent provided a more credible response.

"Super Bowl."

"Travis genuinely likes it here. It’s a fact, not an official statement. He loves this team. He loves the locker room atmosphere, enjoys training and playing here, and cherishes the highs and lows experienced with the team, and he loves the feat of three consecutive championships."

"Without a doubt, Travis hopes to continue. He wishes for the team to keep making history, aiming for four consecutive championships. If signing a reasonable contract enables the team to have more salary cap space to achieve this feat and make long-term plans, he signed it without hesitation."

"Yes, it really is that simple."

Despite disbelief, despite people still thinking these are just official statements, despite people believing there must be something more behind Kelsey’s decision.

But facts don’t lie. Within the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelsey is not the only player holding such thoughts, including Li Wei and Mahomes.

And also, Chris Jones.

After the team’s defensive group leaders successively left, Chris Jones gradually grew into the team’s new defensive group leader during the 2019 season, demonstrating this multiple times in the playoffs. Entering his fifth season, this young player indeed deserves a big contract.

Veach also fulfilled Chris Jones’ wish——

Four years, 80 million US Dollars.

Everyone: Huh? Wait a minute, something’s off. Weren’t they supposed to sacrifice for the Super Bowl? What about the unity inside and out the team?

Without comparison, there’s no harm. This contract placed alongside Kelsey’s and Hill’s starkly reveals the difference, and the gap is evident.

Moreover, Kelsey and Hill are top stars of the Kansas City Chiefs, whereas Chris Jones does not reach that level, so what’s with this contract?

And notably, Chris Jones went for the jugular, with 60 million US Dollars being guaranteed money. This might present some severe salary cap challenges for the Kansas City Chiefs, especially with Watt joining, likely giving Veach a headache for some time.

So, is the Kansas City Chiefs’ locker room atmosphere still alright?