Seven first-round picks. That’s the price tag for Patrick Mahomes right now. Sounds absurd for a quarterback who just tore his ACL, but that’s exactly what the numbers say. The market is still paying top dollar for his name and past wins (like that Super Bowl run where he threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns).
ESPN dropped its annual trade value analysis recently. The outlet ranked Mahomes as a player worth seven first-round picks. This valuation comes despite his injury and age. Bill Barnwell, the author of the piece, noted the high cost. He wrote that Mahomes’ “postseason halo” still charms teams. The report says teams would still trade the farm to land him.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills actually outplayed Mahomes over the last three years. Allen is younger and has a healthy knee. Yet, ESPN assigned the same trade value to both players. Barnwell questioned if five or six picks was the right number for Allen. But he settled on the same figure for Mahomes. The source noted that “nobody would cost more” than this price.
The Injury Reality
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL late in the 2025 season. This injury usually tanks a player’s value. Not in this case. The report suggests the price stays high because of his history. Barnwell admitted there would be hesitation due to his age and the knee injury. Mahomes turns 31 in November. Teams might worry about committing future picks to a 31-year-old. But the report argues he could still provide a decade of play.
The Chiefs are not looking to sell. Mahomes wants to play immediately. He told Yahoo Sports Daily that his “goal” is to be ready for Week 1. The season opener is against the Denver Broncos on September 14. He knows the doctors and coaches have the final say. But he is pushing hard to be under center. He told Caroline Fenton he will give himself every chance to start.
His rehab is already underway. He participated in the entire offseason program after the late-season tear. The expectation is that he will ramp up his action early in camp. Two more months of rehab remain before the season starts. It would be shocking if he is not ready for the home opener.
Why This Matters
The high trade value highlights how much the league fears losing Mahomes. Even with a major injury, teams see him as a franchise savior. This number proves his legacy outweighs current health risks. It also shows the Chiefs hold a massive card if they ever wanted to listen to offers. No other player in the league commands such a steep price.
For fans, this creates a weird tension. They know he is the best player of his generation. But the injury makes the future feel uncertain. The team is building a new $300 million practice facility in Olathe. That investment shows the front office plans to be around for a long time. They are not planning a trade. They are planning a dynasty.
The 2026 season will test if the price tag is real. If Mahomes returns to form, the seven picks might seem cheap. If he struggles, the number will look silly. For now, the market believes in the magic. The Chiefs will let the doctors decide his fate. The fans just want to see him on the field.
