Chiefs releasing $80 million Jawaan Taylor as crucial offseason takes shape

Jawaan Taylor will be looking for a new home.The Kansas City Chiefs will likely be releasing Taylor, their starting right tackle, before the start of the new league year, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday.Taylor’s release would free up $20 million of cap space for the Chiefs, as he had a cap hit of $27.4 million for the 2026 season.The Chiefs already restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract to free up $43 million in cap room.Though Taylor won the Super Bowl with Kansas City in 2023, he’s been trending downward ever since.

He’s been criticized for constant penalties and subpar play.Taylor started his career with the Jaguars after being a 2019 second-round pick.He spent four years with Jacksonville, playing and starting every possible game until he hit free agency and joined the Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions, on a four-year, $80 million deal in 2023.He started 17 and 16 games in 2023 and 2024, respectively, then 12 this past campaign due to a season-ending elbow injury.

It was his first time missing an extended period in his seven-year NFL career.The Chiefs have to address needs across the board this offseason after their worst season since 2012, and Taylor’s cap hit was holding them back.With star quarterback Patrick Mahomes tearing his ACL late in the season, Kansas City went 6-11.The team failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.With Taylor’s departure, Kansas City is left with Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith on its offensive line.

All four are under contract for the 2026 season, so Taylor’s spot is the only starter it’ll need to replace next year. Meanwhile, players like tight end Travis Kelce, receiver Marquise Brown and edge rusher Charles Omenihu are set to hit the open market as well....