The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract this week, creating much-needed wage cap area forward of the 2026 season, in response to ESPN and a number of experiences.
The restructuring, first reported Wednesday by Over the Cap, converts $54.45 million of Mahomes’ 2026 wage right into a signing bonus and lowers the star quarterback’s cap quantity to $34.65 million.
The Chiefs, who missed the playoffs in 2025 after reaching the Tremendous Bowl in every of the three earlier seasons, created $43.65 million in cap area. It marks the fourth consecutive yr that Kansas Metropolis has restructured Mahomes’ contract.
The Chiefs entered the offseason greater than $57 million over the cap and nonetheless might want to make some monetary maneuvers after remodeling Mahomes’ deal. Mahomes, who’s recovering from knee surgical procedure, initially was set to depend for $78.2 million towards the cap in 2026.
Beneath the phrases of the restructured deal, Mahomes now will depend for an extra $11 million towards Kansas Metropolis’s cap every of the subsequent 4 seasons, bringing his complete cap quantity to $85 million for 2027, in response to Over the Cap. The three-time Tremendous Bowl MVP is a possible candidate for a contract extension earlier than 2028, when his wage and cap quantity each drop considerably.
For now, nevertheless, the cap financial savings are important to the Chiefs, who’re coming off their first dropping season in over a decade and face selections on a number of high-priced veteran gamers. Kansas Metropolis must be beneath the NFL’s wage cap when the brand new league yr begins March 11.
Star defensive lineman Chris Jones, who is about to depend for practically $45 million towards the cap, is one other candidate for a restructured deal. The Chiefs may probably reduce offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor, who has one yr remaining on his four-year, $80 million deal. Different veteran gamers who’re candidates to be launched embody Mike Danna, Drue Tranquill and Noah Grey.
Mahomes initially signed his 10-year, $450 million cope with the Chiefs in 2020, and it was the richest contract in North American crew sports activities historical past on the time. The 2-time league MVP had surgical procedure in mid-December to restore two torn ligaments in his left knee and stated final month that he desires to play within the Chiefs’ 2026 season opener.
