While the 2026 NFL offseason will feature plenty of player movement via free agency and the draft, one of the most important storylines will involve one player who is highly unlikely to change teams in the foreseeable future.

Kansas City has begun the process of digging out of their salary cap quandary. The Chiefs converted $54.45 million of Patrick Mahomes’ 2026 salary into a signing bonus, creating $43.56 million in cap room.

Frankly, it has worked before. Last March, Mahomes’ restructure, paired with that of defensive tackle Chris Jones, freed up $49.4 million in cap space. The Chiefs got a breather and locked down free agents like O-lineman Jaylon Moore and cornerback Kristian Fulton.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn't forget his wife Brittany Mahomes and their daughters on Valentine's Day.

The Chiefs must add a big‑play running back to revive Patrick Mahomes’ offense after a season filled with a weak ground game.