Story byDaniel MaderThu, December 25, 2025 at 11:50 AM UTC·6 min readChiefs salary cap 2026, explained: Why Kansas City is facing major roster management concerns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Money hasn't been much of an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years — winning tends to mask a whole lot in the NFL. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrom a $450 million extension to Patrick Mahomes in 2020, to a new $158.75 million deal to longtime defensive star Chris Jones in 2024, the Chiefs have rewarded their top homegrown stars for their years of Super Bowl-level contributions, also typically adding a top free agent or two each offseason. However, the 2026 offseason is likely set to be new territory for Kansas City. Missing the playoffs already meant the team would have a higher draft pick than usual, but Mahomes' torn ACL alters the Chiefs' 2026 season outlook as well. With a cap sheet that's looking loaded, not only are the Chiefs in a rough spot due to their quarterback's injury, but they'll have a lot of financial decisions to make this spring. Here's a breakdown of the Chiefs' cap situation heading into the 2026 offseason. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE:Why the Chiefs are moving out of Arrowhead StadiumChiefs salary cap 2026According to Spotrac, the Chiefs are projected to be over the salary 2026 cap by just under $35 million ($-34,969,029), with their cap space for 2026 ranking 31st among 32 NFL teams.