As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs are once again facing key decisions in their bid to stay competitive. With three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes at the helm and an elite roster, the Chiefs are in a strong position. However, they must manage their cap situation carefully to make necessary roster improvements and re-sign key players. With only $3.23 million in cap space currently, the Chiefs will need to get creative to stay under the cap while remaining competitive. Here’s a breakdown of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason cap situation and what lies ahead for their free agents in 2025.
The Chiefs’ Current Cap Situation
As per Spotrac.com, the Kansas City Chiefs have just $3.23 million in available cap space for 2025. This might seem tight, especially with several key players set to hit free agency, but the Chiefs have a proven track record of creating cap flexibility when needed. The team’s front office, led by General Manager Brett Veach, has consistently found ways to restructure contracts and clear cap space without sacrificing long-term stability.
Restructuring Patrick Mahomes’ Contract
One of the most common ways the Chiefs have created cap space over the years is by restructuring Patrick Mahomes’ massive contract. By converting a portion of his salary into signing bonuses and extending his contract, the Chiefs can free up significant cap room in the short term. Given that Mahomes’ deal is structured in a way that allows for flexibility, a restructure could easily add as much as $38 million in cap space for 2025. This would put the Chiefs in a much better position to make moves in free agency, whether it’s retaining key players or acquiring outside talent.
Potential Extensions and Retirements
Another key aspect of the Chiefs’ cap situation revolves around veteran players like left guard Joe Thuney and tight end Travis Kelce. Both players are cornerstone pieces of the Chiefs’ offensive line and receiving corps, but they are also important candidates for potential restructuring or extensions.
Joe Thuney: A Potential Extension
Joe Thuney, one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen, has been a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive line since joining the team in 2020. As one of the highest-paid guards in the league, Thuney could be a candidate for a contract extension that would help the Chiefs spread out his cap hit. An extension would provide the Chiefs with immediate cap relief while securing Thuney’s services for the future.
Other possible extension candidates include defensive end George Karlaftis and cornerback Trent McDuffie, who both have one year left on their rookie deal and will be unrestricted free agents in 2026.
Travis Kelce: A Possible Retirement or Restructure
At 34 years old, tight end Travis Kelce is still one of the most dominant players in his position. However, given his age and the wear and tear of an illustrious career, retirement could be on the horizon for the future Hall of Famer. If Kelce decides to retire this offseason, it would free up a significant portion of the Chiefs’ cap space. With Kelce’s retirement, the team could save $17 million in cap space without incurring any dead money, providing further financial flexibility for Kansas City.
If Kelce decides to play the 2025 season, the Chiefs are expected to structure the veteran’s & 19 million cap hit, which would give the Chiefs $12.9 million in cap space and shrink Kelce’s cap hit to just $6.8 million.
Key Chiefs Free Agents for 2025
With a limited cap situation, the Chiefs will need to make some tough decisions when it comes to their free agents. Here’s a look at some of the most important players whose contracts will expire after the 2024 season:
- Trey Smith (OG)
The Chiefs’ starting right guard, Trey Smith, has been a key part of the offensive line since he was drafted. As one of the most promising young offensive linemen in the league, Smith will be a priority for the Chiefs to extend. Keeping him in Kansas City could help solidify their offensive line for years to come. - Justin Reid (S)
Reid, who joined the Chiefs in 2022, has been an important figure in the secondary, contributing both as a leader and a versatile player. His ability to play both safety positions and his leadership on defense make him an asset the Chiefs will likely want to retain in 2025. - Nick Bolton (ILB)
Bolton has emerged as one of the Chiefs’ top linebackers and a key part of their defensive core. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline and be an enforcer in the middle of the defense makes him a top priority this offseason. Given his potential as a long-term anchor in the defense, the Chiefs will need to carefully evaluate his contract status. - Hollywood Brown (WR)
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown will be a major decision for the Chiefs this offseason. As a speedy deep threat, he could give the Chiefs another weapon to complement their passing game. However, the price to keep Brown on the roster could be pretty steep as the veteran is expected to generate a lot of buzz this spring. Despite coming off of a shoulder injury that held him out for much of the 2024 season, plenty of teams will be throwing some crazy offers to obtain his services. - DeAndre Hopkins (WR)
Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is also entering the open market since the Chiefs acquired him from Tennessee. Despite his low snap count and lack of production this season, Hopkins is still one of the top free agents for Kansas City to consider re-signing this offseason. If Hopkins can stay healthy and with a full offseason, his skill set as a reliable and elite pass-catcher could be too valuable for the Chiefs to let go. Retaining Hopkins would give Mahomes a veteran target on offense.
How the Chiefs Could Free Up $70 Million in Cap Space
If the Chiefs make some strategic moves, they could end up with over $70 million in cap space heading into 2025. Here’s how:
- Restructure Patrick Mahomes’ Contract – As mentioned, restructuring Mahomes’ deal could provide $38 million in cap space.
- Extend Joe Thuney – An extension for Thuney could save an additional $10 million or more in cap space.
- Travis Kelce Retires – If Kelce calls it a career, his retirement could free up $17 million in cap space.
- Restructure Other Players – The Chiefs could also explore restructuring other veterans to free up additional space. This could include players like Chris Jones’ $34 million cap hit for 2025 and/or right tackle Jawaan Taylor, whose $27.4 million cap might be too high for Kansas City after the production – or lack thereof – the Chiefs got from him during the 2024 season.
Conclusion: A Busy Offseason Ahead for the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are in a strong position to continue their Super Bowl window in 2025, but they’ll need to be strategic with their cap management. While they currently have only $3.23 million in cap space, the team has proven time and again that they can create flexibility through contract restructures and extensions. Key decisions regarding players like Trey Smith, Hollywood Brown, and Nick Bolton will shape the team’s future and impact their ability to contend for another championship. If the Chiefs can clear significant cap space and retain their core players, they’ll be primed for another deep playoff run in 2025.
