KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FACING TOUGH CHOICES WITH CAP SPACE: A LOOK AT WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE TEAM

The Kansas City Chiefs front office is currently in the midst of an extremely difficult task—managing a looming salary cap crisis that is set to make the 2026 season a true uphill battle. Despite their recent success, the team finds itself in a precarious position when it comes to the salary cap, with projections suggesting that they are facing significant financial constraints. The Chiefs currently sit at the very bottom of the NFL’s salary cap rankings, with a staggering $62.6 million over the cap as of now. This presents a daunting challenge for a franchise that is hoping to reload after a tough six-win season. Yet, all hope is not lost. While the numbers may seem bleak, general manager Brett Veach has some options at his disposal.

THE GRIM SALARY CAP PICTURE

For context, the Kansas City Chiefs are currently ranked No. 32 in the NFL in terms of available salary cap space for 2026, which places them at the very bottom of the league’s standings. With a whopping $62.6 million in projected cap space overage, it’s easy to see why the franchise is in such a tough spot. This deficit raises a number of pressing concerns for the Chiefs. From the offense to the defense, the team has several key roster areas that require attention, ranging from running back to wide receiver, tight end to defensive end, and cornerback to safety. In short, Brett Veach has his work cut out for him.

But here’s the kicker—while the situation seems dire, it’s not quite as bleak as it initially appears. The NFL salary cap is far from set in stone, and as any savvy general manager knows, there are always ways to free up space and make necessary moves. The cap is a fluid, dynamic element, and with some smart restructuring, trades, and cuts, the Chiefs could find themselves in a better financial position before long. To put things in perspective, the Tennessee Titans currently sit at No. 1 overall in the salary cap rankings, with a massive $92 million in projected cap space for 2026. That’s a stark contrast to Kansas City’s current position, but it’s also an indicator that cap space can be manipulated through careful moves.

RESTRUCTURING IS THE KEY

One of the most effective strategies available to Brett Veach and the Chiefs’ front office is player contract restructuring. This is a familiar tactic for the Chiefs, especially when it comes to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose contract has been restructured several times over the years to free up valuable cap space. The idea behind restructuring is simple: push financial hits further into the future to alleviate pressure in the present. For Kansas City, this strategy has been nothing short of essential.

In fact, restructuring Mahomes’ deal could free up an astonishing $44.36 million in cap space for the Chiefs. This move would go a long way in helping to clear up the current cap space deficit, and it’s almost guaranteed that Veach will consider this option sooner rather than later in order to make the team competitive in free agency and the offseason. The Chiefs’ front office knows that Mahomes’ restructured contract will likely be the first domino to fall in addressing the team’s financial challenges.

But Mahomes is not the only player who could be involved in contract restructuring. There are several other young, recently extended players on the roster who also present viable options for freeing up additional cap space. Trey Smith, a promising guard, signed a new deal just last year, temporarily making him the highest-paid player at his position. While Smith dealt with some injuries this past season, his toughness and elite-level play at just 27 years old make him a prime candidate for a contract rework. Restructuring his deal could provide a significant boost to the Chiefs’ available cap space.

Similarly, defensive end George Karlaftis, who is just 25, and Creed Humphrey, arguably the best center in the league after just five seasons in the NFL, both offer intriguing possibilities for restructuring. These players, despite their young age and high potential, are still in the early stages of their careers, making them logical targets for contract tweaks. Restructuring these deals would push their financial hits into the future, giving the team more flexibility to improve in the short term.

YOUNG TALENT PROVIDES CAP RELIEF

What makes this situation even more manageable for Kansas City is the fact that they already have some young talent locked in on rookie contracts. This is especially beneficial along the offensive line, where the Chiefs have two highly promising young players who are already providing significant value at a low cost.

Josh Simmons, who is expected to be the Chiefs’ future franchise left tackle, is on a rookie deal through 2028, with a fifth-year option for 2029. This provides Kansas City with both financial relief and the potential for a dominant player at a critical position for the long term. Meanwhile, Kingsley Suamataia, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is locked in on a rookie contract that will keep him affordable at left guard through 2027. These young players are crucial to the Chiefs’ plans, and their low salaries will help offset the costs of veterans like Humphrey and Smith. This provides a solid foundation for Veach to build upon as he looks to restructure and make moves that benefit the team’s financial outlook.

OTHER OPTIONS STILL AVAILABLE

While restructuring contracts for key players like Mahomes, Smith, Karlaftis, and Humphrey is likely the most immediate path forward, there are other ways to free up space. The Chiefs could look to release players with disproportionate cap hits. One notable candidate is right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who is scheduled for a massive $27 million cap hit in 2026. Releasing Taylor would save the Chiefs a significant amount of cap space and provide them with the opportunity to upgrade other positions of need. While releasing players comes with its own set of challenges, it remains a viable option for the Chiefs if they need to make additional moves to solidify their roster.

On top of this, there may be room for additional contract restructures or even trades. Nick Bolton, a standout linebacker, could be another candidate for a rework of his deal, further freeing up cap space. These are just some of the options on the table, and while the Chiefs may appear handcuffed at first glance, it’s clear that there is flexibility to be had.

LOOKING AHEAD: THE FUTURE OF THE CHIEFS

As it stands, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a difficult but not insurmountable position regarding their salary cap situation. With Brett Veach at the helm, the team is well-equipped to make the necessary moves to free up space and put themselves in a competitive position for the 2026 season. Restructuring deals, releasing expensive players, and relying on the contributions of young, affordable talent will be key strategies in navigating this challenging financial landscape.

For now, the Chiefs’ fans can rest assured that Veach will make the moves needed to put this team back on track. While the 2026 season may feel like a bitter pill to swallow, Kansas City has a proven front office and a roster brimming with talent. With a little creativity, the Chiefs will have plenty of options to make the necessary adjustments and reload for another championship run.

Stay tuned, as this situation will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and Kansas City’s roster could look very different in the near future as they prepare for a new era of Chiefs football.