Chiefs Restructure Mahomes Deal, Leaving Door Open for Kelce in 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs may have just made a massive financial move that could shape their 2026 season. With questions still surrounding Travis Kelce and his NFL future, the franchise created significant salary cap space by restructuring Patrick Mahomes’ contract—potentially paving the way for the star tight end’s return.
Kansas City converted $44 million of Mahomes’ base salary, along with a $10.4 million roster bonus, into a fully guaranteed roster bonus. The move reportedly freed up roughly $43.5 million in cap space for 2026. Mahomes’ cap hit drops dramatically from over $78 million to about $34.65 million, though future seasons will carry heavier numbers. For a team balancing contender status with roster uncertainty, that breathing room is crucial.
Kelce, now 36, has not officially announced whether he will return or retire. His previous two-year, $34.25 million deal, signed in 2024, is expiring, and if he does suit up again, it would likely be on a shorter, more team-friendly contract. Despite his age, he showed flashes of elite form in 2025, reminding fans why he remains one of the most productive tight ends of his era.
The Chiefs are expected to revisit discussions with Kelce following the Super Bowl, according to league insiders. While Kansas City reportedly wants him back, some analysts believe the team should prepare for the future. Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum has suggested the Chiefs move on, arguing that front offices must project forward rather than reward past production.
Still, Kansas City’s offense faces uncertainty heading into 2026. Mahomes is rehabbing from a torn ACL and LCL suffered late in 2025, and his readiness for Week 1 remains unclear. In that context, Kelce’s veteran presence and chemistry with Mahomes could be more valuable than ever.
For Chiefs fans across the USA, this restructure feels like more than just a financial maneuver-it’s a signal. Whether Kelce returns or not, Kansas City is positioning itself to stay competitive. But if No. 87 decides to run it back one more time, the door is now wide open.