AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs

Broncos

• NFL Media’s Charley Casserly writes Broncos first and second-round WRs Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler are expected to have an immediate impact, with Jeudy starting immediately and Hamler stretching the field. 
• Several starting jobs are up for grabs in Denver in 2020, with Casserly identifying cornerback as wide open. A.J. Bouye will start after being acquired via trade from the Jaguars, but Bryce Callahan, Michael Ojemudia, De’Vante Bausby, Davontae Harris and Isaac Yiadom will all compete for the No. 2 outside corner and starting nickel. 
• Other competitions include Garett Bolles vs Elijah Wilkinson for starting left tackle, Josey Jewell vs Todd Davis at inside linebacker, third-round rookie Lloyd Cushenberry vs Austin Schlottmann and Patrick Morris at center and Shelby Harris vs Christian Covington vs Dre’Mont Jones at defensive end. 
• Casserly says the biggest storyline for the Broncos in 2020 is if 2019 second-round QB Drew Lock can deliver on Denver’s big bet on him. 

Chargers

• NFL Media’s Charley Casserly writes Chargers first-round QB Justin Herbert and LB Kenneth Murray are seen as immediate impact rookies, with Murray slated to start right away at weakside linebacker and Herbert expected to take over the starting job at some point in 2020. 
• However, Herbert would have to be brilliant in camp to unseat Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor, and Casserly actually doesn’t think Taylor will play in the preseason to both keep him ready for Week 1 and allow Herbert maximum reps to develop. 
• As far as position battles, Casserly says the Chargers will be sorting out left tackle between Sam Tevi and 2019 third-rounder Trey Pipkins, strongside linebacker between Kyzir White and Emeke Egbule, middle linebacker between Denzel Perryman, Drue Tranquill and Malik Jefferson, and safety between Rayshawn Jenkins and Nasir Adderley. 

Chiefs

• Chiefs GM Brett Veach on QB Patrick Mahomes: “His abilities are so rare, and to couple that with an incredible personality is outstanding. We’re going to continue to do everything we can to surround him with talent, and this deal provides us more flexibility to do that.” (James Palmer)
• Chiefs HC Andy Reid on Mahomes: “I’ve had the privilege of coaching a lot of incredible athletes and special people in my career, and Patrick is without question on that list of players. The best part is he’s still early in his career.” (Aaron Wilson)
• Chiefs owner Clark Hunt on Mahomes signing: “This is a significant moment for our franchise and for the Chiefs Kingdom. Since he joined the Chiefs just a few years ago, Patrick has developed into one of the most prolific athletes in all of sports.”(Aaron Wilson)
• Mahomes will receive $477 million in guarantee mechanisms, which give him an out if the mechanisms aren’t exercised. The deal also has a no-trade clause. Mahomes becomes the first half-billion-dollar player in history and receives the largest contract in sports history. The deal also marks the first time an NFL player has been the highest-paid player in sports history. (Ian Rapoport)
• The guarantee mechanism will guarantee Mahomes’ salary a year out. And if they don’t pick up each guarantee, they have to cut him to avoid picking up the future guarantee. (Ian Rapoport)
• Adam Schefter reports that starting in 2022, Mahomes has a $1.25 million incentive for winning the AFC Championship game and a $1.25 million incentive for winning NFL MVP. That means that over 10 years, Mahomes can earn $25 million of incentives which will up the value of his deal from $477 million to $503 million.
• Mahomes receives a $10 million signing bonus and has roster bonuses on a rolling guaranteed basis in future years, including a large $49.4 million bonus due in 2026. The entire deal is conditionally guaranteed, which will leave the Chiefs with a lot of short-term flexibility. (Tom Pelissero)
• Jeremy Fowler reports that the first three years of Mahomes’ deal are fully guaranteed. He adds that $63 million is due at signing and $103.5 million is due by March 2021. In 2023, Mahomes will receive a roster bonus of more than $34 million and that Many of his bonuses become guaranteed two years early, as his 2024/25 bonuses lock-in during the 2022/23 season.
• Mahomes will receive a $50 million roster bonus in 2027, according to Chad Graff.