The Kansas City Chiefs have made significant financial moves this offseason. To create cap space, the team restructured the contracts of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones.
These adjustments cleared nearly $50 million in salary cap room, per ESPN. The move allows the Chiefs to finalize recent deals with free agents like Jaylon Moore and Kristian Fulton.
Chiefs Free Up Nearly $50 Million
Kansas City entered the offseason projected to be over the 2025 salary cap. According to Over the Cap, the team was more than $19 million over before these adjustments.
Mahomes’ contract was originally set to count $28 million against the cap. Jones carried a $23.6 million cap hit before his deal was restructured.
By converting portions of their salaries into signing bonuses, the Chiefs gained immediate flexibility. This approach is common for teams needing short-term cap relief without cutting key players.
Impact on the Roster Moves
Now with Kansas City creating the additional cap space, they are able to take care of their recent signing. Such as offensive tackle Jaylen Moore who joined the team on a two-year, $30 million deal to help protect Mahomes blindslide at the left tackle position.
The Chiefs also recently just signed cornerback Kristian Fulton on a two-year, $20 million contract as well. Adding another veteran to their defense and cornerback room to pair alongside one of the top corners in all of the NFL Trent McDuffie.
Kansas City also recently acquired Elijah Mitchell to add to their running back room, as well as made multiple resigning to keep some of their players in-house. This reconstruction allowed for the flexibility for these moves to be able to be fulfilled while also still providing the Chiefs with a cushion so they are not over the cap, and are able to make further moves if they decide to do so.
Final Thoughts
Mahomes remains under contract with the Chiefs through the 2031 season, while Jones is signed with the team until 2028. Both of their restructures were vital components of allowing the Chiefs to be able to go out and make the signings they have so far, and still be able to work on making further additions.
Kansas City’s front office led by general manager Brett Veach has continued to stay on top of managing the team’s cap strategically. With several signings completed, the team has positioned itself to meet the NFL’s cap requirements while also giving themselves the ability to add new players on their roster to replenish any losses they have had so far during free agency.
