Patrick Mahomes Trading Cards: Is It the Right Time to Buy in 2026?
By Jason Bolton January 07, 2026 09:19
In the frosty dawn of 2026, as NFL teams shuffle draft boards and fans brace for another wild offseason, Patrick Mahomes remains the league's enigma. The Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, once the untouchable face of football's future, endured a turbulent 2025 season cut short by injury and marred by a 6-8 record in his 14 starts. Yet, even as the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in his career, Mahomes' arm talent and resume scream longevity. Throwing for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while adding 422 rushing yards and five scores on the ground, he posted an 89.6 passer rating solid, if not supernova. But in the trading card world, where hype meets hard cash, his market has cooled like Arrowhead in January. Prices are down, collectors are cautious, and the question burns: Is now the moment to buy into Mahomes cards?
Mahomes' card empire exploded during the pandemic boom, fueled by his back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 2019 and 2020, plus MVPs in 2018 and 2022. His 2017 rookie cards became blue-chip investments, with the ultra-rare 2017 Panini National Treasures Platinum NFL Shield Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA) 1/1 fetching a staggering $4.3 million in a private sale the most expensive football card ever at the time. Another gem, the 2017 National Treasures Holo Gold RPA /10, hammered at $1.08 million in a PWCC auction in September 2021. "Mahomes is the modern GOAT in the making," one collector enthused on Reddit during his peak, "His cards are like owning a piece of history."
Fast-forward to 2026, and the landscape has shifted. The broader sports card market, after a 2021-22 frenzy, has stabilized with dips in ultra-modern cards. Mahomes' values reflect this: His 2017 Panini Prizm PSA 10 base rookie has plummeted 71% from its highs, now hovering around more accessible levels for entry-level collectors. eBay sales data from GemRate shows his cards generated $17.03 million in 2025, down from previous peaks but still ranking him among the top football commodities behind only Tom Brady. A standout sale last September: A 2017 National Treasures Gold RPA /10 went for $384,000. Yet, overall, his market is softer Sports Card Investor tracks over 16,000 Mahomes cards, with recent movers like the 2022 Prizm Silver and 2024 Select Field Level Silver showing modest gains but not the fireworks of yore.
Why the dip? Mahomes' 2025 woes played a role. Placed on IR in mid-December after a nagging injury, he watched the Chiefs falter without him, ending a playoff streak that defined his era. "When the team's down, the star's cards follow," notes John Mangini, a hobby veteran, in a recent YouTube discussion on 2026 trends. "But Mahomes? He's 30, with three rings and 35,939 career passing yards, 267 TDs. This is a buy-low window." Analysts like those at NoOffseason.com echo this: "Patrick Mahomes rookie cards haven't been cheap, but they are significantly down... Now might be the best time."
For collectors eyeing entry points, start with accessible rookies. The 2017 Donruss Rated Rookie raw sells for $125-$275 on eBay, a steal for its iconic design. Step up to the 2017 Panini Prestige ($35-$50 raw) or Rookies & Stars PSA 10 ($450-$600). Mid-tier gems include the 2017 Donruss Optic "2PM" Aka PSA 10, recently listed around $1,000. For high-rollers, the 2017 Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph commands premiums, with parallels like the Cracked Ice /23 fetching five figures. Beckett's guide ranks over 50 Mahomes rookies, with National Treasures RPAs topping the value charts.
Market watchers point to rebound potential. eBay's July 2025 surge $314 million in card sales industry-wide signals renewed interest, with Mahomes up $247,000 that month alone. If the Chiefs reload perhaps reuniting Mahomes with Kliff Kingsbury as OC expect a spike. "Times like now... is the time to grab Mahomes," one Instagram analyst posted, citing his dip as a buying signal. YouTube creator Sports Card Strategy agrees: "As a Chiefs fan, I'm buying his cards in the offseason, especially if they drop more."
Risks remain. The hobby's volatility, tied to performance and broader economy, could prolong the slump. Collectibles.com reports his average sale price at $661, with 23,839 sales totaling $15.76 million impressive, but down from peaks. Still, Mahomes' intangibles his sidearm magic, leadership, and off-field appeal (NIL deals, endorsements) position him for a renaissance.
In a market where Caitlin Clark and Pokémon cards outpace Bitcoin, Mahomes stands as a proven asset. For long-term holders, 2026 could be the dip before the dynasty reboot. As one X user quipped amid his IR stint: "Mahomes has Jesus. He will find himself a great comeback." If history repeats, his cards might too.
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