The Kansas City Chiefs took an expected step to free up salary-cap space less than twenty-four hours before the NFL’s new league year began. The team plans to continue constructing their roster for the upcoming season with the goal of becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowls.
According to a team source who spoke with The Athletic, the Chiefs converted $27 million of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ deal to generate $21.6 million in salary-cap room.
Mahomes’ 10-year contract, which is the longest in sports, was structured specifically for this kind of maneuver. The Chiefs should now be able to address their two largest needs, which are a seasoned left tackle to protect Mahomes’ blind side and an experienced receiver. This amount of the roster bonus in Mahomes’ deal will be converted into a signing bonus.
This is identical to what the Chiefs did last offseason. Mahomes’ $34.4 million roster bonus was reduced to $12 million as a signing bonus, giving the organization $9.6 million in salary-cap flexibility. The majority of that was subsequently utilized by Kansas City to re-sign defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and acquire safety Mike Edwards and linebacker Drue Tranquill.
According to above the Cap, the Chiefs were expected to be $5.65 million above the cap as of Tuesday. That estimate comes after the team re-signed Chris Jones, a pass rusher, for a five-year deal worth $158.75 million, with $60 million fully guaranteed. Trading cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who is attached to the team’s franchise tag, might free up further salary room for the Chiefs. The Chiefs would have an additional $19.8 million in cap room if they traded Sneed. The Chiefs still have three cornerbacks that are capable of starting in Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, and Jaylen Watson, even without Sneed. Additionally, they might convert a portion of Joe Thuney’s left guard or Jawaan Taylor’s right tackle contracts.
The Chiefs should completely enter the receiver market now that they have cap space. Darnell Mooney, a receiver, was a target for the team. On Tuesday, he signed a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Marquise Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Curtis Samuel are the receivers still available.
In addition, general manager Brett Veach plans to bolster the offensive line by adding a seasoned left tackle who can start while second-year player Wanya Morris develops. Tyron Smith, Donovan Smith, David Bakhtiari, and Duane Brown are the top free-agent choices.
