Patrick Mahomes could give the Chiefs a special offseason gift in spite of Super Bowl humbling

Whether they won Super Bowl LIX or not, the Kansas City Chiefs knew that the 2025 offseason would bring about several uncomfortable decisions. Amid a salary cap crunch, the three-time defending AFC champions could have a different look next season as they try to return to the Super Bowl.

The biggest question surrounding the Chiefs is “will Travis Kelce retire?” The 35-year-old may be a Kansas City legend, but he had a down season in 2024, and the Chiefs have asked Kelce to inform them of his decision on or before March 14 — the day before he is set to receive an $11 million roster bonus and count $17 million against the cap for 2025. But Patrick Mahomes’ $66 million cap hit next season stands as the more expensive issue, and all eyes are on the superstar quarterback’s possible restructuring this offseason.

Mahomes’ humongous cap hit under scrutiny

Mahomes restructed his lengthy contract last April, but the Chiefs could ask the 29-year-old to help them out once again by reducing his cap hit — and his salary — for 2025.  If Mahomes is amenable to it, Kansas City can convert up to $47 million of Mahomes’ salary into a “restructuring bonus” that would be spread over the next five seasons. By doing so, the Chiefs can reduce that cap hit by close to $40 million, opening the space to be competitive in free agency while retaining many of its own 20 pending free agents.

Patrick Mahomes’s cap number balloons to more than $66 million for 2025. With a simple restructuring, the Chiefs can easily drop his total cap number to $28 million. https://t.co/IZCFNPmiwZ

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 17, 2025

However, the risk in another Mahomes restructure is that the Chiefs will be merely postponing the day when all of the two-time MVP’s money comes due. To that end, a Kelce retirement, extension, or cut has to be under consideration, irrespective of the tight end’s legendary status with the franchise. Offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor is another player of interest, as trading him after June 1 could save the Chiefs another $20 million.

In short, general manager Brett Veach is facing some hard choices this spring as Kansas City tries to prolong its Super Bowl window in the competitive AFC. What Mahomes does or doesn’t want to do could be decisive in how long that window remains open.

Patrick Mahomes at grandfather’s funeral pic.twitter.com/T7paASPQ85

— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) February 18, 2025