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Chiefs' 2023 Cap Space: A Deep Dive

Trends January 14, 2025

What is the Kansas City Chiefs' salary cap space in 2023?

The Kansas City Chiefs have a projected salary cap space of $13.4 million in 2023, according to Over the Cap. This number is subject to change, as the NFL salary cap is not finalized until after the new league year begins in March. However, this projection gives us a good idea of what the Chiefs will have to work with in terms of free agency and contract extensions.

The Chiefs have a number of key players who are set to become free agents in 2023, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and defensive tackle Chris Jones. The team will need to make some tough decisions about which players to re-sign and which players to let go. The amount of salary cap space the Chiefs have will play a big role in those decisions.

The Chiefs have a number of needs that they could address in free agency, including wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive line. The team could also look to extend the contracts of some of their key players, such as Mahomes and Jones. The amount of salary cap space the Chiefs have will determine how much they are able to do in free agency and how much they can afford to pay their own players.

The Chiefs' salary cap situation is something to keep an eye on in the coming months. The team has a number of important decisions to make, and the amount of salary cap space they have will play a big role in those decisions.

Chiefs Cap Space 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs' salary cap space in 2023 is a crucial factor that will shape the team's offseason. Here are seven key aspects to consider:

Total cap space: $13.4 million
Key free agents: Patrick Mahomes, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chris Jones
Team needs: Wide receiver, cornerback, offensive line
Contract extensions: Mahomes, Jones
Salary cap implications: Franchise tag, roster cuts
Competition: Other teams with cap space
Long-term impact: Future salary cap flexibility

The Chiefs have a number of important decisions to make this offseason, and their salary cap space will play a big role in those decisions. The team will need to decide which free agents to re-sign, which players to extend, and which positions to address in free agency. The Chiefs' salary cap situation will also impact their ability to compete in 2023 and beyond.

1. Total cap space

The Kansas City Chiefs' total cap space of $13.4 million in 2023 is a crucial component of their overall salary cap situation. The salary cap is a limit on the amount of money that each NFL team can spend on player salaries, and it is set by the league each year. The Chiefs' cap space is the amount of money that they have available to spend on player salaries in 2023.

The Chiefs' cap space is important because it will determine how much they can spend on free agents and contract extensions. The Chiefs have a number of key players who are set to become free agents in 2023, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and defensive tackle Chris Jones. The Chiefs will need to decide which of these players they want to re-sign, and how much they are willing to pay them.

The Chiefs' cap space will also impact their ability to extend the contracts of some of their key players. Mahomes is one of the most important players in the NFL, and the Chiefs will want to lock him up to a long-term contract extension. However, Mahomes is expected to command a large salary, and the Chiefs will need to make sure that they have enough cap space to sign him to a deal that both sides are happy with.

The Chiefs' cap space situation is something to keep an eye on in the coming months. The team has a number of important decisions to make, and their cap space will play a big role in those decisions.

2. Key free agents

The Kansas City Chiefs have a number of key free agents set to hit the market in 2023, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and defensive tackle Chris Jones. These players are all important pieces of the Chiefs' success, and their departure would leave big holes in the team's lineup.

Patrick Mahomes: Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is the Chiefs' franchise player. He is coming off a season in which he led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory, and he is expected to command a large salary on the open market. The Chiefs will need to make a decision on whether to franchise tag Mahomes or sign him to a long-term contract extension.
JuJu Smith-Schuster: Smith-Schuster is a talented wide receiver who has been a key part of the Chiefs' offense in recent years. He is coming off a season in which he caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns. Smith-Schuster is expected to be a popular free agent, and the Chiefs will need to decide whether to re-sign him or let him walk.
Chris Jones: Jones is a Pro Bowl defensive tackle who has been a key part of the Chiefs' defense in recent years. He is coming off a season in which he had 9.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. Jones is expected to be a popular free agent, and the Chiefs will need to decide whether to re-sign him or let him walk.

The Chiefs' salary cap situation will play a big role in their decisions on these free agents. The Chiefs have a projected salary cap space of $13.4 million in 2023, which is not a lot of room to work with. The Chiefs will need to make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which players to let go.

3. Team needs

The Kansas City Chiefs have a number of needs that they could address in free agency in 2023, including wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive line. These are all important positions, and the Chiefs will need to make some tough decisions about how to allocate their limited salary cap space.

Wide receiver: The Chiefs lost Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in a trade this offseason, and they need to find a replacement for him. The Chiefs have a few young wide receivers on their roster, but they could use a veteran presence to help lead the group.
Cornerback: The Chiefs have a solid cornerback duo in L'Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie, but they could use some depth behind them. The Chiefs could also look to add a cornerback who can play in the slot.
Offensive line: The Chiefs' offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, but they could use some depth at tackle. The Chiefs could also look to add a guard who can compete for a starting job.

The Chiefs' salary cap situation will play a big role in their decisions at these positions. The Chiefs have a projected salary cap space of $13.4 million in 2023, which is not a lot of room to work with. The Chiefs will need to make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which players to let go.

4. Contract extensions

The Kansas City Chiefs have a number of key players who are set to become free agents in 2023, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones. The Chiefs will need to make decisions on whether to extend the contracts of these players, and how much they are willing to pay them.

Salary cap implications: Extending the contracts of Mahomes and Jones will have a significant impact on the Chiefs' salary cap. Mahomes is expected to command a large salary, and Jones is also expected to be paid handsomely. The Chiefs will need to make sure that they have enough cap space to sign both players to long-term deals.
Team needs: The Chiefs have a number of needs that they could address in free agency in 2023, including wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive line. The Chiefs will need to decide whether to use their limited salary cap space to extend Mahomes and Jones, or to address other needs on the team.
Long-term impact: Extending the contracts of Mahomes and Jones will have a long-term impact on the Chiefs. Mahomes is the face of the franchise, and Jones is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. The Chiefs will want to keep both players in Kansas City for as long as possible.

The Chiefs' decision on whether to extend the contracts of Mahomes and Jones will be one of the most important decisions they make this offseason. The Chiefs will need to weigh a number of factors, including their salary cap situation, their team needs, and the long-term impact of their decision.

5. Salary cap implications

The salary cap is a critical aspect of the NFL, and it has a major impact on the Kansas City Chiefs' cap space in 2023. The salary cap is a limit on the amount of money that each team can spend on player salaries, and it is set by the league each year. The Chiefs have a projected salary cap space of $13.4 million in 2023, which is not a lot of room to work with.

Franchise tag: The franchise tag is a one-year contract that a team can use to retain a player who is set to become a free agent. The franchise tag is expensive, and it counts against the team's salary cap. The Chiefs could use the franchise tag on quarterback Patrick Mahomes or defensive tackle Chris Jones, but it would be a costly move.
Roster cuts: The Chiefs could also create salary cap space by cutting players from their roster. This is a risky move, as it could weaken the team. However, the Chiefs could save money by cutting some of their more expensive players.

The Chiefs' salary cap situation is something to keep an eye on in the coming months. The team has a number of important decisions to make, and their salary cap space will play a big role in those decisions.

6. Competition

The Kansas City Chiefs' salary cap space in 2023 is not just affected by their own financial situation, but also by the salary cap space of other teams. Teams with more cap space have more flexibility to sign free agents and extend the contracts of their own players. This can make it more difficult for the Chiefs to retain their own players and compete for top free agents.

Bidding wars: When multiple teams have cap space, they can drive up the price of free agents. This can make it difficult for the Chiefs to sign the players they want, or they may have to pay more than they would like.
Contract extensions: Other teams with cap space can also make it more difficult for the Chiefs to extend the contracts of their own players. If a player knows that he can get a better contract from another team, he may be less willing to sign an extension with the Chiefs.
Roster cuts: Teams with cap space may also be more willing to cut players who are expensive or who do not fit into their plans. This can create a pool of free agents that the Chiefs can sign, but it can also make it more difficult to compete with other teams for top players.

The Chiefs' salary cap situation is something to keep an eye on in the coming months. The team has a number of important decisions to make, and the salary cap space of other teams will play a big role in those decisions.

7. Long-term impact

The Kansas City Chiefs' salary cap space in 2023 will have a significant impact on the team's future salary cap flexibility. The Chiefs have a number of key players who are set to become free agents in the next few years, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and defensive tackle Chris Jones. The Chiefs will need to make decisions on whether to extend the contracts of these players, and how much they are willing to pay them.

Salary cap implications: Extending the contracts of Mahomes, Smith-Schuster, and Jones will have a significant impact on the Chiefs' salary cap. Mahomes is expected to command a large salary, and Smith-Schuster and Jones are also expected to be paid handsomely. The Chiefs will need to make sure that they have enough cap space to sign all three players to long-term deals.
Team needs: The Chiefs have a number of needs that they could address in free agency in the next few years, including wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive line. The Chiefs will need to decide whether to use their limited salary cap space to extend Mahomes, Smith-Schuster, and Jones, or to address other needs on the team.
Long-term impact: Extending the contracts of Mahomes, Smith-Schuster, and Jones will have a long-term impact on the Chiefs. Mahomes is the face of the franchise, and Smith-Schuster and Jones are two of the team's best players. The Chiefs will want to keep all three players in Kansas City for as long as possible.

The Chiefs' decision on whether to extend the contracts of Mahomes, Smith-Schuster, and Jones will be one of the most important decisions they make in the next few years. The Chiefs will need to weigh a number of factors, including their salary cap situation, their team needs, and the long-term impact of their decision.

FAQs about Chiefs Cap Space 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs' salary cap space in 2023 is a crucial factor that will shape the team's offseason. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Chiefs' cap space:

Question 1: How much cap space do the Chiefs have in 2023?

The Chiefs have a projected salary cap space of $13.4 million in 2023, according to Over the Cap.

Question 2: Which key players are set to become free agents in 2023?

The Chiefs have a number of key players who are set to become free agents in 2023, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Question 3: What are the Chiefs' biggest needs in free agency?

The Chiefs have a number of needs that they could address in free agency, including wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive line.

Question 4: How will the Chiefs' salary cap situation impact their ability to re-sign their own players?

The Chiefs' salary cap situation will play a big role in their decisions on which players to re-sign. The Chiefs will need to make some tough decisions about which players to keep and which players to let go.

Question 5: How does the Chiefs' cap space compare to other teams?

The Chiefs' cap space is relatively low compared to other teams. This will make it difficult for the Chiefs to sign top free agents and extend the contracts of their own players.

The Chiefs will need to be creative in their approach to free agency and contract extensions. The team may need to consider restructuring contracts, cutting players, or using the franchise tag to keep their key players.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs' salary cap space in 2023 is a crucial factor that will shape the team's offseason. The Chiefs have a number of key players who are set to become free agents, and they will need to make some tough decisions about which players to re-sign and which players to let go. The Chiefs' salary cap situation will also impact their ability to extend the contracts of some of their key players, such as Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones.

The Chiefs' salary cap situation is something to keep an eye on in the coming months. The team has a number of important decisions to make, and their cap space will play a big role in those decisions. The Chiefs will need to be creative in their approach to free agency and contract extensions. The team may need to consider restructuring contracts, cutting players, or using the franchise tag to keep their key players.