The Kansas City Chiefs may need another major concession after Patrick Mahomes reworked his deal, because the franchise remains buried in cap trouble and still lacks flexibility to reshape the roster.
Mahomes‘ adjustment created roughly $43.65 million in relief, yet the team still sits over the limit, forcing general manager Brett Veach to search for additional savings before meaningful roster moves can occur.
Attention now shifts to Chris Jones, whose contract carries the largest cap figure on the team, and whose cooperation could determine whether Kansas City can sign reinforcements or retain key veterans.
Jones, once made the league’s highest-paid defensive tackle, is scheduled to count $44.85 million against the cap, including $19 million in base salary that could be converted into bonus money to spread charges across future seasons.
Such a maneuver would lower the immediate burden, potentially pushing millions into later years, and projections suggest it could finally move the club out of the negative column while preserving short-term competitiveness.
The trade-off, however, is long-term risk, because deferring money increases future dead-cap exposure if performance declines, especially for a veteran lineman already deep into his career arc.
Jones has publicly supported efforts to strengthen the roster, including hopes of keeping star teammates or pursuing marquee additions, meaning a restructure could align with his own competitive ambitions.
Still, Kansas City must balance present needs against sustainability, since heavy snap counts last season raised concerns about workload, and adding depth along the defensive front will also require cap resources.
Chiefs let defensive end go as part of Kansas City rebuild
As part of this financial overhaul, the Chiefs released defensive end Mike Danna, a move that cleared space while ending a six-year tenure marked by steady production and two championship runs.
Danna had been set to carry a cap figure exceeding $11 million, so his departure freed nearly $9 million, illustrating how the team is trimming costs wherever possible to regain operational flexibility.
Originally drafted in 2020, he totaled 21.5 sacks, 194 tackles and four forced fumbles, becoming a dependable rotational presence before signing a mid-range extension two years ago.
The organization publicly thanked the 28-year-old defender, signaling respect for his contributions even as financial realities dictated the decision, a pattern likely to continue throughout the offseason.
Mahomes‘ restructure occurred only days earlier, underscoring how aggressively the front office is acting, and further moves, including potential veteran releases, remain firmly on the table.
One name frequently mentioned is right tackle Jawaan Taylor, whose contract carries a cap hit exceeding $27 million, making him a logical candidate if deeper cuts become necessary.
Ultimately, Kansas City faces a delicate recalibration, because clearing space alone will not restore contention unless the savings translate into effective acquisitions and healthier roster balance.
Whether through Jones‘ cooperation or additional departures, the coming weeks will shape the franchise’s trajectory, determining if the Chiefs can reload for another title push or endure a transitional season.
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