Centers don't often get noticed unless something goes wrong.
They're pivotal to an offense, not just for snapping the football but also for helping lead the protection unit. And with the Kansas City Chiefs, that means protecting Patrick Mahomes. Yep, Creed Humphrey is crucial.
And soon enough, that means Humphrey will get paid in a big way.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell predicts in a new article on Thursday that Humphrey will one day be the highest-paid center in the NFL.
MORE:Chiefs' new contract makes it even harder to release Patrick Mahomes
That mark currently belongs to Tyler Linderbaum, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason for $27 million per year.
Barnwell thinks Humphrey can chase the $30 million annual mark.
"Barring a turnaround from Cam Jurgens in Philadelphia, I'd expect Humphrey to be the first center to approach $30 million per season on a new deal, with Linderbaum and (Graham) Barton close behind," Barnwell writes.
MORE:Will they still be called the Chicago Bears if they play in Indiana?
Humphrey just does the things he does well so well.
Between (Humphrey and Linderbaum), most NFL observers believe Humphrey to be the better center," Barnwell writes. "There are seemingly annual concerns about Humphrey snapping the ball too low on a regular basis, but his quickness and ability to block defensive tackles one-on-one make him an essential part of the Kansas City offense."
Lots can change along the offensive line, especially with risk of injury, but if Humphrey stays healthy and stays at this level, he's going to get a massive deal.
Some of the best QBs had the same center for long stretches of their careers. The Chiefs can ensure the same happens for Mahomes.
More NFL news: