The Chiefs on Tuesday made Trey Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history. He’s now one of three Chiefs who are making the most money at their respective positions.
Creed Humphrey is the highest-paid center in the NFL and Chris Jones is earning more than any other defensive lineman, according to ESPN. Tight end Travis Kelce is in the top three at his position.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract was reworked in 2023 and is paying him $210.6 million over four seasons. Also, tackle Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract in 2023.
That’s a lot of money being paid to six players, and it’s led fans to wonder about the Chiefs’ salary-cap situation for the 2025 season and beyond. Here’s a closer look at where things stand.
The Chiefs initially thought a long-term deal with Smith wouldn’t happen, but the NFL increased the salary cap more than expected earlier this year, to $279.2 million.
According to the NFLPA’s salary-cap report, the Chiefs still have $11,256,812 in space after the Smith deal was announced. Spotrac puts that number at $20,617,008, while Over The Cap shows it’s $20,043,931.
At this point, it seems the Chiefs could add to their roster if needed.
Although the NFL sets a new salary cap each year, there are projections for where things stand in the future ... and the numbers are ugly for the Chiefs in 2026.
Spotrac show the Chiefs are projected to be $48,847,983 over the cap (based on a $307.12 million projection) next year, while Over The Cap has that number at $60,467,990 over ($295.5 million projection).
Only the Vikings are in a worse financial situation.
Mahomes’ cap hit for 2026 is a whopping $78.2 million, according to Over The Cap, so don’t be surprised if the Chiefs rework that deal. Jones’ cap hit next year is $44.85 million and Taylor’s is $27.4 million, OTC says. Smith’s is $24.25 million.
Not on the list: Kelce, whose contract expires after the 2025 season.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach could be forced to make some difficult decisions in the coming 12 months.
The Chiefs have 37 players signed through 2027 per Over The Cap, whose projections are favorable for KC.
It shows the Chiefs being $72.6 million under the cap (based on a $311 million projection). But they’d still have to pay many other players.
Spotrac has a $337.83 million projection for 2027 and shows the Chiefs having $100.5 million in space, based on those 37 contracts that run through that season.