The Kansas City Chiefs continue their push toward salary cap compliance by releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
The move frees up $20 million in cap space for the cap-strapped Chiefs, with $7.391 million in dead money, according to Over The Cap.
Taylor was signed in 2023 as a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line overhaul, inking a four-year, $80 million contract. Initially expected to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side at left tackle, Taylor instead spent his tenure at right tackle. He started consistently and remained mostly on the field, but his performance declined in 2025, and penalties continued to be an issue.
Cutting Taylor was widely anticipated. The Chiefs began the offseason significantly over the 2026 salary cap, prompting moves such as restructuring Mahomes’ contract and reshaping deals for veterans like Chris Jones. Earlier, the team released Michael Danna, saving $8.8 million. Taylor’s departure provides general manager Brett Veach with even more flexibility as free agency approaches and the new league year opens March 11.
While the release addresses cap concerns, it leaves lingering questions about an offensive line that struggled protecting Mahomes last season. After the first truly disappointing season under head coach Andy Reid, this is the start of a reset for Kansas City, with cap space and strategic moves at the forefront.
