Chiefs Reportedly Considering $20 Million Decision That Could Impact Mahomes

Kansas City is reportedly weighing whether to release veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor, a move that would free up cap space but also strip Patrick Mahomes of a key pass protector.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:47am

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The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly considering releasing veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor, a move that would free up around $20 million in salary cap space but also remove one of Patrick Mahomes' most reliable pass protectors as the star quarterback works his way back from a torn ACL. The decision is part of the Chiefs' efforts to navigate a serious salary cap squeeze, but it could have major implications for the team's offense and Mahomes' recovery.

Why it matters

Releasing Taylor would be the single largest immediate financial lever available to the Chiefs as they look to get under the salary cap, but it would also create an immediate vacancy on the offensive line and remove an experienced veteran who helped the team win a Super Bowl in 2023. This kind of instability on the offensive line could be especially impactful for Mahomes as he recovers from a major knee injury.

The details

The Chiefs are currently sitting at around -$57.9 million in salary cap space for 2026, the worst mark in the NFL. Clearing Taylor's $20 million contract would represent a significant step in getting the team's finances in order, but it would also strip Mahomes of one of his most reliable pass protectors. Taylor has been a polarizing presence in Kansas City, capable of steady pass protection at times but also prone to drive-killing penalties.

  • The Chiefs are reportedly considering the move in the coming weeks.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs who is working his way back from a torn ACL.

Jawaan Taylor

The veteran right tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs who is reportedly being considered for release, a move that would free up $20 million in salary cap space.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs who is tasked with navigating the team's serious salary cap squeeze.

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What’s next

The Chiefs will need to decide whether to release Jawaan Taylor in the coming weeks, a move that would free up $20 million in salary cap space but also create a hole on the offensive line as Patrick Mahomes works his way back from a torn ACL.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' decision on Jawaan Taylor's future highlights the difficult salary cap decisions facing the team as they look to build around Patrick Mahomes. Releasing the veteran tackle would provide short-term financial relief but could also have significant implications for the team's offense and Mahomes' recovery, underscoring the delicate balance the Chiefs must strike as they navigate this offseason.