The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured the contract of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, creating over $40 million in salary-cap space for the team. Reports indicate the move lowers Mahomes' cap hit for the 2026 season from $78.2 million to under $35 million.
Prior to this restructuring, the Chiefs were over the salary cap by more than $50 million. This key move helps them move toward compliance, with additional adjustments possible, such as releasing tackle Jawaan Taylor or reworking defensive tackle Chris Jones' deal for further short-term space.
Mahomes' massive contract, valued at $450 million through 2031, was always a candidate for restructuring due to its high cap number. Only Deshaun Watson had a higher projected 2026 cap figure. This is not the first adjustment to Mahomes' deal, as the Chiefs also reworked it ahead of the 2023 season.
The news comes as Mahomes, 30, recovers from a torn ACL suffered late in the 2025 season and aims to return for Week 1 of 2026. The Chiefs, who finished 6-11 in 2025 and hold the No. 9 draft pick, are also reportedly hopeful for the return of tight end Travis Kelce for another season.