Patrick Mahomes is already a three-time champion, two-time MVP, six-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro selection. He’s arguably already put together an MVP career, so it’s easy to forget that he’s only 28 years old and firmly in his prime years.

Which means he could still get even better, a terrifying thought for defensive coordinators around the NFL.

“What’s funny is he can still improve,” a high-ranking NFL official told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler regarding Mahomes. “He’s never truly improved his footwork since he’s been in the league. It hasn’t mattered because he’s so good.”

The 2023 season was arguably Mahomes’ worst as the team’s starter. His 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns and 27 sacks taken were the second-worst marks of his starting career. His 14 interceptions were a career-high, and Kansas City’s 10-6 record with him as the starter was the worst mark posted of his career as well.

And despite all of that, Mahomes still led the team to a Super Bowl, throwing for 1,051 yards, six touchdowns and an interceptions in four postseason games.

Given that NFL quarterbacks are playing well into their late 30s at this point, NFL defenses will probably be contending with Mahomes for at least another decade. If he irons out the small weaknesses in his game, it’s going to be a long 10 years for his opponents.