Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 540

Chapter 540: hit the nail on the head with one comment Chapter 540: hit the nail on the head with one comment If the Kansas City Chiefs had just experienced a disappointing season, such as more losses than wins, or missing the playoffs altogether, or at least getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, changing the quarterback and undergoing a reconstruction would be understandable.

But the Kansas City Chiefs had just become champions?

In the eyes of the team, reconstruction might seem necessary, but to others, it would appear as self-sabotage.

Moreover, Smith had already experienced this with the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite the team making it to the conference finals and having a peak season, he was traded; if it happened again now, the impact on Smith would be unimaginable.

People say that’s professional sports, cold and ruthless; but does it have to be this cruel?

At least, Veach didn’t want it to be that way.

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Reed nodded gently, “If we continue to use Alex next season, I have no objections.”

Veach suddenly looked up at Reed.

Reed said, “Alex’s advantage is his stability; he doesn’t show dramatic fluctuations.

This season, he just delivered the best performance of his career; so, next season, he should still maintain a high standard.

If he starts as quarterback, we wouldn’t have to worry too much.”

Veach said, “But in a few months, Alex will be turning thirty-four.

We can’t keep taking risks with a thirty-four-year-old veteran.

We chose Patrick because he represents the future, right?”

Reed’s plump hands came together to support his chin, and the soft flesh of his chin spilled out to the sides, making his round face even more endearing.

“Hmm, that’s correct,” Reed acknowledged.

That was the key argument Veach used to persuade Reed at last year’s draft.

Veach felt a twinge of anticipation, “Coach, how is Patrick doing now?”

“He’s still lacking a bit,” Reed replied promptly with a direct answer, “Patrick’s strength is being bold enough to take risks and he still has room to grow.

But his downside is his instability.

Young players eager to prove themselves can often become more impatient.”

“That’s why it’s good for him to be with Li Wei.

Li Wei’s temperament can stabilize him, helping to control the situation.”

Veach had a moment of realization.

Usually, quarterbacks tend to gather together, both starters and backups, including practice players.

They have their own meeting rooms and separate gatherings; occasionally, when the doors to these rooms open, they are most closely bonded with the offensive line that protects them, easily forming a combative fellowship.

However, things are slightly different with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Li Wei and Mahomes got along well, blending in with players from various positions on the team.

Smith didn’t remind them, nor did Reed stop them.

Veach tentatively asked, “What if Patrick starts next season?”

Reed did not immediately respond, instead, he pondered seriously—

That matter still needed thorough consideration by the coaching staff.

Putting other things aside, this implied that the team would be changing quarterbacks.

Different quarterbacks meant different styles and types, and the entire offensive group’s tactics would have to be completely revamped.

The preparation work that starts with the coaching staff’s tactical planning would be different, not to mention the subsequent recruitment and draft work.

Veach, of course, understood this all too well.

So if Reed thought Mahomes still needed more time to learn and wasn’t yet ready to be the starting quarterback, things would be much simpler.

The uniform group could focus their efforts on Smith’s contract renewal.

“It’s not impossible,” Reed finally answered after deep contemplation.

Veach’s heart, which had been lifted high, suddenly plummeted, and he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Coach, you’re not helping,” Veach said.

Reed: Heh heh.

Reed remained unruffled, his expression benevolent and kind.

Veach was somewhat despondent, and had to straighten up to remind him, “Coach, we’re on the same side here.

If you say anyone will do, I might really just start playing by ear.”

Reed remained unruffled, smiling at Veach like the Buddha sizing up Sun Wukong.

It might look like Veach always consulted Reed, acting as if he was completely deferential to him, but in reality, Veach’s shrewdness and wisdom were the hidden sharp edges of a truly smart person.

Under Reed’s gaze, Veach helplessly spread his hands, “Alright, I won’t mess around, I don’t want to lose my job.

But coach, I need some advice.”

Reed spoke slowly and methodically, “Actually, before you even came to me, you already had an answer in mind, unconsciously steering the conversation.

If my opinion matches your thoughts, you’ll feel more at ease; otherwise, you’ll get a bit tense.”

“Ultimately, you just need someone to echo your answer, to tell you that your judgment is correct.”

Veach’s brows lightly twitched, as if in thought—

Truth be told, his mind was a muddle with a myriad of thoughts, and even if he did have a leaning, he couldn’t quite clear his head in the moment.

Veach looked at Reed, “Maybe.

So, coach, I need your help.”

Reed, “From a coach’s standpoint, I am partial to Alex.

We are a complete team, and maintaining our current roster is good for defending our title.

During the off-season, we only need to fill a few gaps.”

“But if it’s Patrick, I agree with that too.

I believe he can quickly grow.

He already has all the qualities to become an outstanding quarterback, trust me, I’ve worked with worse quarterbacks.”

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“So, what you need is not the coach’s opinion, but the manager’s opinion.

How much is Alex’s salary next season?”

Hit the nail on the head.

Veach reflexively answered, “Seventeen million.”

Previously, the Kansas City Chiefs and Smith had signed a four-year contract worth sixty-eight million US dollars, with a guaranteed amount of forty-five million and an additional eighteen million signing bonus.

Now, there was one year left on the contract.

This was the reason behind Veach’s penny-pinching—

If Mahomes could grow quickly enough sitting on the bench during the 2017 season, then they’d trade Smith away in 2018.

But if not, Smith could stay with the team and continue to mentor Mahomes for another year, without worrying about contract issues.

However, now things were completely different.

Reed lightly lifted his chin.

His understanding of the salary cap details was limited because with so many players, each team had a specialized team to calculate the salary cap, and each off-season they had to be meticulous with their finances.

Still, Reed had a general sense of it.

“If we’re talking about renewal, what level of contract might they ask for?”

Veach took a deep breath, the first happy problem of becoming Super Bowl champions had arrived.

“We can’t be sure yet because a series of major negotiations are ongoing.

Rodgers’s contract with Green Bay has expired, Mark’s contract with Raiders has expired, and Donald’s rookie contract with Rams has also expired.”

A top quarterback and two stars at the level of Defensive Player of the Year.

Everyone was eager for a max salary, and now it was a game of negotiation between agents and the teams.

But other players would also wait and see, adjusting their standing based on the max salary.

This meant players needed both patience and wisdom, seeking the right opportunity to maximize their own interests; top players’ agents were inevitably communicating and working together to break through the salary cap ceiling.

Clearly, having won the Super Bowl, Smith also had the credentials to do so.

“I’ve made an estimate, Alex’s annual salary could break through thirty million.”