Reported 2021 Salary Cap Increase Will Save Chiefs in Contract Situations With Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones

The Kansas City Chiefs and their fans are anxiously biting their nails as they wait to see if the financial gymnastics the team will need to perform this offseason allows them to sign both superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones to long-term contracts.

But guess what! They may not even have to stress this offseason.

Chiefs Kingdom will be thrilled to hear that the salary cap is expected to explode in 2021. The number is set at $200 million this year, but it could reach $240 million in 2021.

Russell Wilson' $35 million per year is the highest annual salary of any quarterback, but Mahomes' contract is expected to pass that by a pretty healthy margin. While Jones will play next season on the franchise tag for Kansas City, he's still looking to earn market value given what a tremendous interior pass rusher he's evolved into.

The essence of the salary cap means the Chiefs will still need to part ways with a good chunk of resources from the team that won a Super Bowl last season, but the major stars on the offensive and defensive side of the ball will likely be taken care of.

Mahomes' contract is almost assuredly going to break every record once it becomes reality, and Jones is going to command a tremendous deal of his own, but the Chiefs might just have the freedom to keep both of them around for the long haul provided the cap is kind. This at least buys them some time and gives them the opportunity to promise Jones an extension once they figure out the impending financial situation.