The Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason low on available cap space even after the cap increase was higher than expected. Yet, Kansas City has been able to keep players fans figured could be gone, as well as sign new names. That said, the new additions have put the Chiefs over the cap, meaning they must clear space by restructuring current contracts.
On Wednesday, the team began restructuring the players under big contracts. According to Field Yates, the Chiefs have restructured Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones's contracts, freeing $49.44 million. These moves are the start of Kansas City opening up cap space for their new signings.
The Chiefs have restructured the contracts of QB Patrick Mahomes and DT Chris Jones, creating $49.446M in 2025 cap space.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 12, 2025
The space (plus more) needed for Kansas City to sign their early free agents, including LT Jaylon Moore and CB Kristian Fulton. pic.twitter.com/iQC3kCfSt7
Kansas City Restructures Patrick Mahomes' Contract to Free Up Cap Space in Free Agency
The Chiefs restructuring Mahomes' contract is no surprise. Since signing the ten-year, $450 million deal in 2020, the Chiefs have reworked his contract every offseason. Moving money down the line for Mahomes is the only way for Kansas City to stay competitive, given that his contract is worth $450 million.
On the other hand, Jones' restructure is slightly more risky. As it stands right now, the 31-year-old has three years left on his deal. Although he's still playing at a high level, there's no guarantee that he will be the same player by the end of his contract. Therefore, pushing the money down the road means the Chiefs may be overpaying for a once elite player by the end of his career.
Nevertheless, restructuring Jones and Mahomes was the easiest way for Kansas City to clear money. With the two obvious restructures out of the way, it will be interesting to see what other Chiefs will rework their deals.