The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured quarterback Patrick Mahomes' contract, creating over $40 million in salary-cap space, according to multiple reports.
The move reduces Mahomes' cap hit for the 2026 season from $78.2 million to under $35 million. The Chiefs were over the salary cap by more than $50 million prior to this restructuring and are still working to become compliant. Further moves, such as releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor or reworking defensive tackle Chris Jones' deal, could quickly achieve this.
Mahomes' contract, the most valuable in the NFL at $450 million, was likely to be adjusted given its high projected cap number. Only Cleveland's Deshaun Watson had a higher cap figure for 2026. This is not the first restructuring of Mahomes' deal with the Chiefs.
Mahomes, recovering from a torn ACL suffered in late 2025, is aiming to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. The Chiefs also hope for the return of tight end Travis Kelce. After a 6-11 season, the team holds the No. 9 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.