Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently signed a record-breaking contract extension, though he may not become the first NFL player to reach the half-billion dollar milestone in career earnings.

Despite the historic nature of Mahomes' new deal, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is currently positioned to become the first NFL player to accumulate $500 million in total career earnings. The timing and structure of existing contracts appears to favor Stafford reaching this benchmark first.

Mahomes' contract represents the latest in a series of escalating quarterback deals that have reshaped the NFL's salary landscape. The Chiefs secured their franchise quarterback with the extension following his successful playoff runs and Super Bowl victories.

The distinction between signing a large contract and actually earning half a billion dollars highlights the difference between contract value and cumulative career earnings, which include previous deals, bonuses, and endorsements accumulated over a player's entire professional career.