Patrick Mahomes. © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Chiefs Make Patrick Mahomes Decision After 9th NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 10:14 AM ET

The 2025 season was a difficult one for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. In his ninth NFL season, Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 during the Chiefs’ loss to AFC West rivals the Los Angeles Chargers. Kansas City also missed the playoffs and finished with a losing record (6-11) for the first time in Mahomes’ career.

His injury required immediate surgery and kicked off a long rehabilitation process, with a projected nine-month recovery timeline that could see him miss the start of the 2026 season.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding Mahomes’ return date, the Chiefs made a significant salary cap move on his contract to create crucial breathing room.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and head coach Andy Reid.Denny Medley-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the franchise converted $54.45 million of Mahomes’ 2026 base salary into a signing bonus, reducing his 2026 salary cap number from $78.2 million to $34.65 million.

That restructure opened up approximately $43.56 million in cap space for the Chiefs as they prepare for the offseason and upcoming free agency. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Chiefs have restructured Mahomes’ contract to improve their cap situation.

The Kansas City Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract this week, lowering his salary cap number from $78.2 to $34.65 million for the upcoming season and creating $43.56 million in salary cap space, as @Jason_OTC reported. pic.twitter.com/2MShU1GAmq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2026

The decision comes as the Chiefs work to manage one of the league’s more challenging cap sheets, with multiple veteran contracts and roster needs pressing for adjustment. Mahomes’ agent recently declined to comment to Front Office Sports on specifics of the quarterback’s salary or how his contract compares to other top NFL quarterbacks.

Mahomes originally signed a landmark 10-year extension in 2020 worth up to $450 million, a deal that at the time positioned him at the top of the quarterback market.

As for his expected return, head coach Andy Reid and medical experts have indicated he could return in Week 1 if his rehab continues on schedule. Mahomes himself recently confirmed that he is targeting a return date as early as the Chiefs’ first regular season game.

With the restructure easing immediate cap pressure, Kansas City now has space to address roster holes and build around Mahomes’ eventual return.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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