Patrick Mahomes is taking a haircut to help his team in 2026.
Over The Cap reported Wednesday that Mahomes lowered his salary cap number from $78.2 million to $34.65 million, creating $43.56 million in cap space for this upcoming season.
The Chiefs previously had been in the red in salary cap space, reportedly sitting $18 million over the mark.
Patrick Mahomes helped the Chiefs create some salary cap space. Getty Images
The move by Mahomes, 30, comes as the Chiefs are waiting on Travis Kelce’s retirement decision.
Mahomes creating salary cap space — whether that means getting paid more later in his contract or turning salary into bonuses for future seasons — could be in an effort to retain his superstar tight end.
Another old friend, Tyreek Hill, was released by the Dolphins this week, and the Chiefs are the favorite to be his next team.
Mahomes’ Superman cape was rather short in 2025 after winning three Super Bowls since 2019.
The Chiefs are coming off a disastrous 6-11 season that featured Mahomes suffering a torn ACL on Dec. 14 — and it remains unclear when he will be ready to return next season.
If Mahomes misses significant time in 2026, the Chiefs could be looking at a re-tool year where they stealthily prepare for the 2027 season, as the team is in a poor state in terms of salary cap space.
Travis Kelce is a free agent in 2026. AP
Kansas City is mostly comprised of high-priced veteran players, with star defensive tackle Chris Jones taking up an obscene $44.85 million cap hit.
Offensive linemanJawaan Taylor and Trey Smith are also making over $24 million this upcoming season, leaving little room for other players.
Expect to see many other moves by the Chiefs in the coming weeks as they balance competing for a Super Bowl with resetting their salary cap figures for years to come.