Jets Star Center Rejects Extension, Signs Historic $237.7M Deal with Chiefs
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the New York Jets’ cornerstone center has officially turned down a two-year contract extension with the team and has signed a massive seven-year, $237.7 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. The decision, confirmed by both ESPN and CBS Sports on Thursday, was made public shortly after Jets head coach Robert Saleh acknowledged the franchise had made a substantial offer — one that the player ultimately declined.
The now-former Jets center, long considered a fan favorite and key leader in the locker room, has been a staple on the offensive line since joining the team. His leadership, durability, and high-level play made him one of the most respected offensive linemen in the league, and his departure leaves a significant void for a Jets team looking to compete in the AFC East.
According to sources close to the situation, the move to Kansas City was not just about money — though the $237.7 million deal is the richest ever for an offensive lineman and a staggering figure for a center. The decision was reportedly influenced by a long-standing relationship between the player and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. The two are said to have developed a strong bond over the years through Pro Bowl appearances and offseason training events, and those ties proved decisive when it came time to make a career-defining choice.
“This wasn’t just about contracts or numbers,” one source familiar with the negotiations said. “It was about legacy, opportunity, and trust. The player wanted to be in a place where he could win multiple championships and play under a coach he deeply respects.”
For the Chiefs, the signing represents a bold move to fortify their offensive front and ensure the long-term protection of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With this acquisition, Kansas City sends a clear message to the rest of the league: they are not resting on their laurels after back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. Instead, they are doubling down on excellence in the trenches — an area Reid has consistently emphasized throughout his coaching career.
The Jets, meanwhile, are left with difficult questions. After what seemed like a turning point in their rebuild with the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers last season and a strong draft class, losing such a vital piece of their offensive line is a major setback. While New York still has cap flexibility and a strong coaching staff, replacing a player of this caliber will be no small task.
The player is expected to be formally introduced at a press conference in Kansas City later this week. His move will undoubtedly remain a talking point throughout the offseason and may become one of the defining narratives of the 2025 NFL campaign.
For fans of both franchises — and for the rest of the league — this blockbuster deal is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, where loyalty, opportunity, and ambition often collide on the path to greatness.
