Chiefs predicted to cut $80 million starter after disappointing 2025 performance

The Kansas City Chiefs, a storied franchise in the National Football League, are facing a challenging financial situation heading into the 2026 season. With the salary cap projected to be tight and the team’s current roster filled with high-priced talent, the Chiefs are going to be forced to make some difficult decisions in order to stay under the cap and field a competitive team.

As one of the most successful teams in recent years, the Chiefs have built a roster filled with star players on lucrative contracts. From the dynamic quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the dominant defensive lineman Chris Jones, the Chiefs have invested heavily in their core players in an effort to build a championship-winning team. However, with the salary cap expected to be stagnant or even decrease in the coming years, the Chiefs are now facing the consequences of their aggressive spending.

In order to navigate this challenging financial landscape, the Chiefs will have to make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which players to let go. This could mean cutting ties with beloved veterans who have been key contributors to the team’s success, or letting go of promising young players who have shown potential but have yet to fully develop. These decisions will not only impact the team’s performance on the field, but also its relationship with fans and the overall culture of the organization.

One of the most difficult decisions facing the Chiefs will be what to do with Patrick Mahomes, the face of the franchise and one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Mahomes is currently under contract through the 2027 season, but his massive contract is eating up a significant portion of the team’s salary cap. In order to create more cap space, the Chiefs may have to restructure Mahomes’ contract or potentially even trade him to another team. This would be a heartbreaking decision for Chiefs fans, who have come to see Mahomes as the savior of the franchise and the key to future success.

Another tough decision facing the Chiefs is what to do with Chris Jones, the dominant defensive lineman who has been a force on the field for the team. Jones is also under contract through the 2026 season, but his contract is set to become even more expensive in the coming years. In order to free up cap space, the Chiefs may have to consider trading Jones or letting him walk in free agency. This would be a blow to the team’s defense, which relies on Jones’ ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create havoc in the backfield.

In addition to Mahomes and Jones, the Chiefs have several other key players who are set to become free agents in the coming years. This includes star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, standout safety Tyrann Mathieu, and reliable offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr. Each of these players will command top dollar on the open market, and the Chiefs will have to decide whether they can afford to keep them or if they will have to let them go in order to stay under the salary cap.

One potential solution for the Chiefs is to focus on building through the draft and developing young talent. By identifying and grooming promising young players, the Chiefs can create a pipeline of affordable talent that can help offset the high costs of their star players. This strategy has been successful for other teams in the past, such as the New England Patriots, who have consistently fielded competitive teams despite having limited salary cap space.

Another option for the Chiefs is to explore creative ways to manipulate the salary cap in order to create more flexibility. This could include restructuring contracts, converting salary into signing bonuses, or even using the franchise tag to keep key players on the roster for another year. While these tactics can provide short-term relief, they can also create long-term financial problems for the team and limit their ability to make future moves in free agency.

Ultimately, the Kansas City Chiefs are facing a challenging financial situation heading into the 2026 season. With the salary cap expected to be tight and the team’s roster filled with high-priced talent, the Chiefs will have to make some tough decisions in order to stay under the cap and field a competitive team. Whether they choose to restructure contracts, trade key players, or focus on developing young talent, the Chiefs will need to be strategic and creative in order to navigate this difficult financial landscape. Only time will tell how these decisions will impact the team’s performance on the field and its future success.

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Source: Sporting News