Chiefs restructure Patrick Mahomes’ contract
The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured star quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract to create massive salary cap space this offseason.
Kansas City is reportedly converting $54.45 million of Mahomes’ 2026 salary into a signing bonus that puts his cap hit to $34.65 million. It creates $43.65 million in salary cap space and marks the fourth straight year that the team has restructured his deal.
That move alone could go a long way toward helping the Chiefs get under the salary cap threshold, as the team entered the offseason with more than $57 million over it. There will be additional contract reworkings, trades, or releases to be executed.
One potential target for salary cap relief could be star defensive lineman Chris Jones, as he’s set to be a nearly $45 million hit against the cap in 2026. The Chiefs could restructure his contract, while they could also cut offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor, who has one year left on his four-year, $80 million deal.
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Other possible moves include releasing Noah Gray, Drue Tranquill, and Mike Danna to relieve salary cap space. The Chiefs are in a unique position, trying to rebuild the team to compete for another Super Bowl after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
There remains uncertainty about when Mahomes will return to the field after undergoing surgery in mid-December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. Mahomes voiced last month that he wants to be back on the field by the season opener.
