Chiefs Restructure Patrick Mahomes' Contract to Lower Salary Cap

The move creates $43.56 million in cap space for the team this year.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured the contract of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, converting $54.45 million of his 2026 salary into a signing bonus. This lowers Mahomes' salary cap number from $78.2 million to $34.65 million for the 2026 season, creating $43.56 million in much-needed cap space for the team.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have restructured Mahomes' deal for the fourth straight year, a common tactic used by teams to create short-term cap flexibility. However, this move will increase Mahomes' cap hit by over $10 million per year in the following seasons, potentially creating future challenges for the team's salary cap management.

The details

The Chiefs converted $54.45 million of Mahomes' 2026 salary into a signing bonus, lowering his cap number from $78.2 million to $34.65 million. This is the fourth consecutive year the team has restructured the 30-year-old quarterback's contract to create cap space.

  • Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury on December 14, 2025.
  • The contract restructuring was reported on February 18, 2026.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The 30-year-old quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is currently recovering from a season-ending injury suffered in 2025.

Chris Cabott

Mahomes' agent, who in 2020 described the quarterback's 10-year, $450 million contract extension as the "largest contract in sports history."

Clark Hunt

The Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs, who praised Mahomes as an "extraordinary leader" and "credit to the Kansas City community."

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has called Mahomes a "natural leader" and "one of the most prolific athletes in all of sports."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“First half billion dollar player in sports history. Largest contract in sports history. First time NFL player has been the highest paid player in sports history.”

— Chris Cabott, Mahomes' agent (Instagram)

“This is a significant moment for our franchise and for the Chiefs Kingdom. Since he joined the Chiefs just a few years ago, Patrick has developed into one of the most prolific athletes in all of sports.”

— Clark Hunt, Chiefs Chairman and CEO (Statement)

“I've had the privilege of coaching a lot of incredible athletes and special people in my career, and Patrick is without question on that list of players. He's a natural leader and always grinding, whether that's on the field, in the weight room or watching film. He wants to be the best.”

— Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach (Statement)

What’s next

Mahomes is currently rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 15 of the 2025 season and hopes to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' decision to restructure Mahomes' contract for the fourth straight year highlights the team's commitment to keeping their star quarterback, even if it means taking on larger cap hits in future seasons. This move provides short-term relief but could create long-term challenges for the team's salary cap management.