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The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract to give him some breathing room under the salary cap ahead of the 2026 season. ESPN and other outlets confirmed the move this week.
Over the Cap first reported the news on Wednesday. The team is in transition. $54.45 million Including Mahomes’ 2026 salary as a signing bonus reduced his cap hit for that year to $34.65 million.
This is the fourth straight year that Kansas City has done this with its franchise quarterback.
Freedom through restructuring $43.65 million This is the cap space the Chiefs desperately need after missing the playoffs in 2025. This is a tough fall for a team that made it to the Super Bowl three years in a row before this season.
Kansas City has entered the offseason. $57 million over limit. Even after reworking Mahomes’ deal, additional steps must be taken to remain compliant. Mahomes, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, was originally scheduled to have a cap hit of $78.2 million in 2026.
Catch? Mahomes will now count an additional $11 million against the cap in each of the next four seasons. That brings his cap total to: $85 million in 2027According to Over the Cap. He’s a strong candidate for an extension before 2028, when both salary and cap hit significantly.
But right now, the Chiefs need every dollar they can find. They are coming off their first losing season in a decade and will have to make difficult decisions regarding veteran contracts. The NFL’s new league year begins March 11. This is the deadline by which the cap must be met.
Star defensive lineman Chris Jones is another candidate for restructuring. He’s almost counting. $45 million Against hats. Offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor could also be on the chopping block. He has one year left on his four-year, $80 million contract.
Other veterans who could be released include Mike Danna, Drue Tranquill and Noah Gray.
Mahomes originally signed a 10-year contract. $450 million At the time, it was the richest contract in North American team sports history. The two-time league MVP underwent surgery in mid-December to repair two ligaments in his left knee, but said he wants to be ready for Kansas City’s 2026 season opener.
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