Chiefs Restructure Mahomes' Contract, Freeing Up Cap Space for Kelce

The move could be a sign that the team wants to re-sign the star tight end for the 2026 season.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:47pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured the contract of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, converting $44 million of his base salary and a $10.4 million roster bonus for 2026 into a fully guaranteed roster bonus. This move frees up $43.5 million in cap space, which could be used to help the team re-sign star tight end Travis Kelce, whose contract expires at the start of the new NFL season in March.

Why it matters

Kelce has not yet announced whether he will return for the 2026 season or retire, but the Chiefs have expressed a desire to bring him back. The restructuring of Mahomes' contract suggests the team is making room in the salary cap to potentially offer Kelce a new deal, which could be a sign that the Chiefs are confident in retaining the veteran tight end.

The details

The restructuring of Mahomes' contract reduces his 2026 cap hit from $78.214 million to $34.65 million, a more manageable number for the team. The move adds just under $11 million to Mahomes' cap hits in subsequent seasons, with his 2027 cap hit now standing at $85.25 million.

  • The Chiefs restructured Mahomes' contract on February 20, 2026.
  • Kelce's current contract with the Chiefs expires at the start of the new NFL season in March 2026.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs' starting quarterback, who is rehabbing from a season-ending knee injury.

Travis Kelce

The Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, whose contract with the team expires at the start of the 2026 NFL season.

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What they’re saying

“The restructure sinks that number to a much more manageable $34.65 million. The move adds a shade under $11 million to all subsequent seasons. The QB's 2027 cap hit now stands at $85.25 million.”

— Kevin Patra, NFL.com reporter (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to decide whether to offer Kelce a new contract before the start of the 2026 NFL season in March.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' decision to restructure Mahomes' contract suggests they are making a concerted effort to free up salary cap space, which could be a sign that they are prioritizing re-signing Kelce and keeping their star-studded offense intact for the 2026 season.