Chiefs Expected to Cut Ties with $80 Million Super Bowl Winner Jawaan Taylor

The oft-penalized right tackle is expected to be released, saving the Chiefs $20 million in cap space.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 5:39pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly planning to cut offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the team in 2023. Taylor, who helped the Chiefs reach two Super Bowls, including a championship, has been one of the league's most penalized players over the past three seasons. With the Chiefs facing a tight salary cap situation and needing to rebuild after a disappointing 6-11 season, releasing the 28-year-old Taylor would save the team $20 million in cap space.

Why it matters

Jawaan Taylor's release would be a significant move for the Chiefs as they look to retool their roster. Taylor was one of the highest-paid right tackles in the NFL, but his propensity for penalties made him a liability. The Chiefs have invested heavily in their offensive line to protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, so this move signals a shift in their priorities as they navigate a tight salary cap and look to bounce back from a down year.

The details

In three seasons with the Chiefs, Jawaan Taylor accumulated 41 accepted penalties, the most on the team. His 13 penalties in 2025 tied for the second-most in the NFL, and in 2024 he had 19 flags, tied for the league lead. Taylor's penalty issues were particularly problematic in his first season with the Chiefs in 2023, when his 23 total penalties were the most in the NFL. The Chiefs can save $20 million in cap space by releasing Taylor, which would be a significant move as they look to rebuild their roster after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

  • In 2023, Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Over the past three seasons, Taylor has been one of the most penalized players in the NFL.
  • The Chiefs are expected to release Taylor early in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Jawaan Taylor

A 28-year-old offensive tackle who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and helped the team reach two Super Bowls, including a championship, but has been one of the league's most penalized players over the past three seasons.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is considered a future Hall of Famer and has led the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has led the team to the playoffs in 13 of his 13 seasons with the team, including a Super Bowl championship.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will need to make significant roster moves to get the team under the salary cap and rebuild the roster after a disappointing 6-11 season.

Jaylon Moore

An offensive lineman who signed a two-year free-agent deal with the Chiefs last offseason and is expected to slide over to right tackle if the team releases Jawaan Taylor.

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What they’re saying

“The Chiefs can save $20 million against the cap by cutting the oft-penalized Taylor, who seems destined for a change of scenery at age 28.”

— Jesse Newell, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to make a decision on Jawaan Taylor's future with the team early in the 2026 offseason as they work to get under the salary cap and rebuild their roster.

The takeaway

Jawaan Taylor's release would be a significant move for the Chiefs as they look to retool their roster and address their salary cap issues. Taylor's penalty issues made him a liability, despite his contributions to the team's recent Super Bowl appearances, and the $20 million in cap savings from his release could be crucial for the Chiefs as they work to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.