Troy Aikman weighs in on Patrick Mahomes taking pay cuts as other QBs cash in
Perhaps one of the best metrics of Patrick Mahomes' greatness is that he has won the same number of Super Bowl rings as Troy Aikman did in his entire career and he is yet to turn 30. He is the best quarterback in the NFL right now, though one would not know that looking at all the contracts other players are getting in his position.
Jordan Love got a record-trying contract worth $55 million per year on the back of half a good season and one playoff win. Trevor Lawrence did the same and has an identical postseason record with the Packers quarterback despite starting for two more seasons. Tua Tagovailoa, who crumbled against the Chiefs quarterback in the Wild Card round last season, also got a new deal.
Yet, Patrick Mahomes has chosen to put his team's needs first and not seek instant money. His current contract has enough flexibility that he could renegotiate and become the highest-paid player in the NFL and nobody could say it was not well deserved. But as Troy Aikman pointed out, it is his unselfishness in this situation that sets him apart.
Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, the Cowboys legend was asked by the host:
"Have you seen the quotes about him (Mahomes) and the new quarterback contracts and how he said I'd rather just win..."
Troy Aikman replied to it saying that Patrick Mahomes has proved that he can win already and yet is keeping some money on the table so that he can have some better players around him as they compete for more championships. The current NFL commentator added:
"He's (Mahomes) done it already. I feel that he's left some money on the table, knowing that he's going to have better players around him as a result of that and obviously, it's worked for them and they do a good job of continuing to restock the shelves and bring in good players."
Troy Aikman praises Andy Reid's partnership with Patrick Mahomes
Troy Aikman also added that having a coach like Andy Reid helps as it shows Patrick Mahomes that they have a mentor who can make them legitimately fight for the Super Bowl every year with the right players. Praising the quarterback's unselfishness, Troy Aikman added:
"And of course Andy Reid, it's what they have going in Kansas City is special and when you have a quarterback who's obviously as talented as he is, but yet, as unselfish as he is, then it gives yourself a chance."
That is high praise coming from a man whom Patrick Mahomes is looking to usurp on the all-time list in terms of total championships.