Chiefs QB Mahomes to Restructure Contract – Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes is doing what is best for the organization, and taking one for the gipper.
The two-time regular-season MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion has agreed to restructure his deal in order to save an extra $21.6 million worth of salary-cap space for the Chiefs, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Mahomes became the highest-paid player in NFL history when he inked a 10-year extension worth $450 million during the 2020 offseason. His cap hit for 2024 was set at $58.6 million, according to Spotrac. The platform now has his numbers against the cap estimated to be $37 million in 2024, $66.2 million in 2025 and $68.6 million in 2026.
This latest money move comes after the Chiefs restructured his contract in September 2023, setting Mahomes up to earn $208.1 million between 2023 and 2026. It was the largest deal over a four-year period in NFL history. At the time, the franchise said they would go back to the table and discuss his contract in 2026, which will more than likely still occur.
It has already been an active offseason for the defending champions. The team secured the return of star defensive tackle Chris Jones on a massive deal with $95 million guaranteed last week, though his deal will represent only a $7.35 million cap hit this year.
The Chiefs also reportedly cut wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and signed punter Matt Araiza. They also recently designated cornerback L’Jarius Sneed as their franchise player at a cost of almost $20 million against their cap. Sneed was reportedly granted permission to find a trade partner that would give him long-term security, however.
Now, the Chiefs will have more money to play with in free agency as they look to build another Super Bowl team and go for an unprecedented three-in-a-row.
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Steelers Trading WR Johnson to Panthers – Carolina has locked up another weapon for signal caller Bryce Young.
The Panthers are acquiring wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 240 overall) from the Steelers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and 2024 sixth-round selection (No. 178 overall), NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.
Johnson, a former-third round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Toledo, had found himself on the trading block leading up to free agency even after pacing the Steelers in catches in two of the previous three seasons.
The 27-year-old wideout has accumulated 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns during his five-year NFL career. Johnson’s hands at times betrayed him, leaving a lot to be desired, especially early on in his career. However, he has all the tools and skill when it comes to getting open in space and remains a reception machine with 391 career catches.
Overtaken by George Pickens in 2023 as the team’s No. 1 target and hampered by the injury bug that caused him to be sidelined for four games, Johnson had a career-low 51 receptions last season. He set a new career high in yards per reception, though, vaulting from 11.5 in his rookie year to 14.1.
He has plenty of gas left in the tank, and will next look to help lift Young after the quarterback’s disastrous first year under center, which included leading the league’s worst-ranked passing offense.
Johnson’s departure means the Steelers have one less proven pass-catcher available for Russell Wilson’s arrival, but their already-elite defense is getting a boost with the addition of Jackson.
A 2018 second-rounder, Jackson has manned the corner spot for the Panthers in 80 games and brings 14 career interceptions to the Black and Gold. He joins Patrick Queen as Pittsburgh’s biggest additions to the defensive unit so far this offseason.
