Key Takeaways from Chiefs Restructuring Patrick Mahomes’ Contract

Despite the financial constraints, limited draft capital, and the evident flaws across the roster, the Chiefs still assess themselves as viable contenders next season. The front office would not have made this dramatic decision if it believed that the team was not in a position to win meaningful games next season.

Regardless of whether Kansas City would be overly active in free agency, it had to maneuver under the cap before the new league year, which opens on March 11. However, opening up this much space with one restructured contract could be a signal that this is more than just meeting the league's financial threshold.

Mahomes and the Team Feel Good About Recovery Process

As everyone knows by now, the nine-year veteran suffered a torn ACL near the end of the season, putting his status for the start of next season in serious question. However, it appears that his goal of being ready for Week 1 is still in place, and the rehab process is off to an optimistic start.

If Mahomes' timeline did not seem realistic or behind schedule, there would be little to no reason for the team to restructure his contract. In fact, in that case, Kansas City would be better off creating cap space organically by releasing several veteran players. On the surface, the Chiefs could appear vulnerable heading into next season, but that is not how the star quarterback and organization view this situation.

Chiefs Could Be Setting Themselves Up for an Active Free Agency

As mentioned, regardless of what else transpires this offseason, Kansas City must work itself under the cap in the next few weeks. Opening up over $43 million in cap space in one swoop does indicate that the Chiefs will not be sitting idle while other teams around the league aggressively pursue free agents.

Currently, Kansas City is $11.3 million over the cap, but let's say that the Chiefs release Jawaan Taylor (saves $20 million), cut Mike Danna (saves $8.9 million), and trade Trent McDuffie (saves $13.6 million); those three moves alone would give the team $31.2 million to potentially spend.

If that ends up being the case, depending on who Kansas City targets in free agency, it could sign two or three players who could make an immediate impact in 2026.