Chiefs save $43M under 2026 cap by adjusting QB Patrick Mahomes' contract

Field Level Media|published: 02/18/2026, 10:17am EST

Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with head coach Andy Reid after a play against the Chicago Bears during the first half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs saved more than $43 million under the 2026 salary cap by restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes' deal this week.

Multiple outlets reported the specifics of the base salary conversion from $54.45 million to a 2026 signing bonus to bring his cap number for the coming league year down to $34.65 million from $78.2 million.

Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner, is recovering from surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and plans to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. He also has won two NFL Most Valuable Player awards.

The benefit of the restructure does have repercussions down the line.

Kansas City transfers more than $10 million to future cap hits on the Mahomes deal, which expires in 2031. His 2027 cap hit jumps to $85 million.

Mahomes, 30, signed a 10-year, $450 million extension in 2020. The Chiefs can counter the rising cap figures by extending his contract. Mahomes will be 36 when his current deal expires.

--Field Level Media