KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – As the Kansas City Chiefs approached the 2026 offseason and free agency, the team was creeping toward $60 million over the salary cap. A contract restructure with its star player will help get that number to a more manageable figure.
According to Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap, the Chiefs converted $54.45 million of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ salary next season into a signing bonus, opening $43.56 million in cap room.
The Chiefs remain about $11 million over the cap number of about $303 million. The Chiefs had been estimated to be in the worst position for the salary cap before the Mahomes move.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)(Gareth Patterson | AP)
Over the Cap stated that the Chiefs would likely look at Chris Jones’ contract, which is slated to pay $19 million, $28.25 million and $35 million over the next three seasons.
Mahomes is in the middle of a 10-year contract through 2032. His salary number drops to below $40 million per year in 2028. Fitzgerald noted that a new contract is likely then.
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