Kansas City Chiefs general manager, Brett Veach, watching on during warmups against the Baltimore Ravens. September 22, 2019.
Getty
Kansas City Chiefs general manager, Brett Veach, watching on during warmups against the Baltimore Ravens. September 22, 2019.
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has had a busy offseason.
He made several moves just to get the Chiefs under the salary cap before the beginning of free agency. Following the 2025 season, Kansas City was nearly $60 million over the cap.
That led to Veach making moves such as restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract, releasing defensive end Mike Danna and right tackle Jawaan Taylor, and trading cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Because of those moves, the Chiefs were among the most active teams in free agency. They made several signings at positions of need, such as running back Kenneth Walker III, defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, and safety Alohi Gilman. Kansas City was also able to retain some key pieces in tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.
Where the Kansas City Chiefs Currently Sit With Their Salary Cap
Our friend Jared Sapp of Arrowhead Pride pointed out that although the Chiefs have made a lot of free agent signings, they didn’t really break the bank with any of them.
“The Chiefs have continued to essentially allocate their salary cap a year early. With the limit appearing set to increase at least $20 million each year, it is unlikely any of the Chiefs’ recent moves will prove overly financially detrimental in the coming seasons.”
Sapp then detailed what Kansas City’s cap situations looks like now.
“Accounting for only the required top 51 offseason cap charges, Spotrac estimates the Chiefs to be $8.5 million under the salary cap. Their table does not include report re-signings of punter Matt Araiza or guard Mike Caliendo. Assuming minimum base salaries ($1 million for Araiza and $1.1 million for Caliendo), their net impact on the cap would only be a combined $210,000.”
NFL insider Albert Breer had a different figure of $13.4 million in cap space for the Chiefs, but remember that determining the exact number is very difficult.
Albert Breer
A week into the league year, NFL accounting on the 10 teams tightest to the cap …
Bears $213K 2) Panthers $4.57M 3) Giants $5.41M 4) Jaguars $5.90M 5) Vikings $6.10M 6) Dolphins $7.06M 7) Bills $9.77M 8) Cowboys $13.12M 9) Saints $13.12M 10) Chiefs $13.34M
What’s Next for the Chiefs This Offseason?
Kansas City Chiefs general manager, Brett Veach, and owner, Clark Hunt, speaking during warmups ahead of game on November 3, 2019.
GettyKansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and ownerClark Hunt
One thing that’s easy to forget is teams need to leave cap space to be able to sign their draft picks with. Kansas City has nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, and its ninth overall pick will command significant money. Given the amount of money the Chiefs have left, we can probably close the book on free agency.
It’s not out of the realm of possibilities that they add another affordable veteran, but it would likely be a rotational player. However, as we’ve already seen Veach do, more cap space can always created by restructuring contracts. Players who could be candidates for that include defensive linemen Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, as well as center Creed Humphrey.
If that doesn’t happen, then it’s mostly onto the draft for Kansas City. Some of its top remaining roster needs are at defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. All of those have a high chance of being addressed with the Chiefs’ four selections in the top 100. It is also possible that they use multiple picks at those positions throughout the draft. As usual, more trades can’t be ruled out by the aggressive Veach as he continues to revamp the roster.