Kansas City Chiefs Shake Up the NFL: Restructuring Mahomes & Jones’ Contracts to Create $50 Million Cap Space for a Blockbuster Offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs are making waves this offseason with bold financial moves aimed at strengthening their roster for another Super Bowl run. In a stunning decision, the Chiefs front office has restructured the contracts of two of their highest-paid stars—quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones—creating nearly $50 million in cap space.

This massive financial adjustment has not only resolved the team’s salary cap issues but also positioned them to make key free-agent acquisitions, including offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Kristian Fulton. As the Chiefs look to reinforce their already elite squad, these strategic moves signal their commitment to staying at the top of the NFL.

With these changes in motion, let’s take a deep dive into how this restructuring impacts the team, what it means for Mahomes and Jones, and who the Chiefs could be targeting in free agency.

A Financial Masterstroke: How the Chiefs Freed Up Nearly $50 Million

Heading into the 2025 NFL offseason, the Chiefs were over the salary cap by nearly $19 million. This meant they had to make tough decisions to clear space while still keeping their championship-caliber core intact.

The front office, led by head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach, decided to restructure Mahomes’ and Jones’ contracts, converting portions of their base salaries into signing bonuses.

Breaking Down the Restructured Contracts

• Patrick Mahomes had a significant portion of his salary converted into a signing bonus, which will now be spread over multiple years. This restructuring alone saved the team nearly $30 million in cap space.
• Chris Jones, who signed a lucrative extension in 2024, agreed to a similar restructuring, freeing up an additional $20 million.

These moves provided the Chiefs with the financial flexibility needed to go after top free agents while ensuring Mahomes and Jones remain the cornerstones of their dynasty.

Why the Chiefs Had to Make These Moves

With the NFL salary cap increasing but not drastically, teams like the Chiefs, who invest heavily in star talent, must get creative to maintain their competitive edge.

The restructuring was essential for several reasons:

1. Retaining Key Players – The Chiefs want to keep Travis Kelce, Creed Humphrey, and L’Jarius Sneed in their long-term plans, and clearing cap space helps ensure they can afford future extensions.
2. Strengthening the Offensive Line – Protecting Mahomes remains a priority, and the Chiefs now have room to sign or re-sign key linemen.
3. Adding Depth to the Secondary – With key defensive backs hitting free agency, the Chiefs need reinforcements to solidify their pass defense.

Now, with nearly $50 million in cap space, the Chiefs are in an excellent position to sign impactful free agents.

New Signings on the Horizon: Who Will the Chiefs Target?

1. Jaylon Moore (Offensive Tackle)

With former tackle Donovan Smith set to hit free agency, the Chiefs are reportedly targeting Jaylon Moore, a rising star in the league. Moore is a versatile, athletic lineman who would provide stability on the offensive line and help protect Mahomes.

2. Kristian Fulton (Cornerback)

A former second-round pick, Kristian Fulton has emerged as one of the most reliable cornerbacks available in free agency. With L’Jarius Sneed’s future uncertain, signing Fulton would give Kansas City a strong, experienced corner to help anchor their defense.

3. Elijah Mitchell (Running Back – Already Signed)

The Chiefs have already moved quickly to sign former San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell to a one-year deal. This gives the team a strong rotational back to complement Isiah Pacheco, adding depth to their already explosive offense.

What This Means for Mahomes and Jones

While restructuring contracts often means a lower salary in the short term, Mahomes and Jones are still getting their money upfront as bonuses, ensuring long-term financial security.

For Mahomes, this move underscores his commitment to winning. By freeing up cap space, he’s helping the Chiefs build a more balanced and competitive team around him.

For Jones, it shows his dedication to staying in Kansas City. After signing a lucrative contract extension last year, Jones could have refused restructuring. Instead, he agreed to adjustments that benefit the team, keeping their Super Bowl window wide open.

Both superstars are making it clear—they want more rings, more championships, and continued dominance in the NFL.

Andy Reid & Brett Veach’s Masterclass in Team Management

The Chiefs’ ability to retain top talent while continuously making financial moves to improve the roster is a testament to Andy Reid and Brett Veach.

Veach has consistently made shrewd decisions, including:

• Trading Tyreek Hill in 2022, which allowed the team to build long-term depth.
• Rebuilding the offensive line after Super Bowl LV, ensuring Mahomes stays well-protected.
• Now restructuring Mahomes’ and Jones’ contracts, proving the Chiefs can make financial moves without dismantling their core.

This front-office strategy keeps the Chiefs ahead of the competition, proving why they’re the NFL’s gold standard.

How These Moves Set the Chiefs Up for Another Super Bowl Run

With Mahomes at quarterback, Andy Reid calling plays, and a restructured financial plan that opens doors to new talent, the Chiefs are poised for another dominant season.

By:
✔ Retaining their core stars
✔ Adding key free agents like Kristian Fulton & Jaylon Moore
✔ Ensuring financial stability for the future

The Kansas City Chiefs are proving once again that they are a dynasty in the making.

With Super Bowl glory always the goal, the Chiefs are not just playing for today—they’re building for the future.

And with $50 million in new cap space, expect some major moves in the coming weeks.

Final Thoughts: The Chiefs Are Built for Long-Term Success

The Chiefs’ ability to restructure contracts while remaining one of the NFL’s most dominant teams is a testament to their elite front office, coaching staff, and superstar players.

With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, expect Kansas City to be a Super Bowl favorite once again in 2025 and beyond.

Their latest moves signal one thing—the Chiefs aren’t done winning yet.

Get ready, NFL. Kansas City is coming for another championship.