The Kansas City Chiefs are deep into a roster reset after a disappointing 2025 season that ended 6-11. It’s the first in the Patrick Mahomes era, notably after the superstar quarterback suffered a torn ACL and LCL in mid-December.
While his injury has created significant uncertainty as the team nears the 2026 season, the team has made clear its stance on Mahomes’ future amid trade rumors. Here’s more to the story.
Chiefs Clarify Stance Amid Trade Rumors Linking Mahomes to NFC East Franchise
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Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
While Kansas City continues to manage Mahomes’ injury, its administrative office has been making bold decisions in the offseason. For instance, the Chiefs restructured Mahomes’ contract to lower his 2026 salary cap hit from roughly $78.2 million to $34.65 million, leaving an estimated $43.56 million in cap space.
Recently, the team made another major move by releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, based on NFL Network’s Ian Rapport. Taylor’s release would free up significant cap room as the team works toward compliance with the new football season.
Chances are that Taylor’s trade encouraged an NFC Eastern franchise to make trade calls for Patrick Mahomes. Taylor had been a key starter for the team since signing a four-year, $80 million contract with the Chiefs in March 2023, helping the team win the Super Bowl in 2024.
According to the source, the caller may have been interested in hiring Mahomes for the new season. However, GM Brett Veach reportedly hung the call, despising any possibility of trading their leader and star quarterback.
According to the sourceclarified: “RUMOUR: An NFC East team called the Chiefs about trading for QB Patrick Mahomes. GM Brett Veach reportedly “farted” then hung up the call.”
RUMOR:
An NFC East team called the Chiefs about trading for QB Patrick Mahomes.
GM Brett Veach reportedly "farted" then hung up the call. pic.twitter.com/ls1tvFK8pa
— Adam Ferrell (@AdamFerrellNFL) March 3, 2026
The Chiefs have also let go of defensive end Mike Danna, who was released in February to clear cap space. These adjustments are poised to help the team maintain its financial standing in compliance with NFL regulations. However, besides cutting Mahomes’ salary cap for the 2026 season, the Chiefs are entertaining no other adjustments to Mahomes’ time on the roster.
It remains to be seen how quickly the top quarterback can recover and regain match fitness and help the newly structured team achieve greatness again.