Chiefs Release $80 Million Offensive Lineman Jawaan Taylor

The move frees up $20 million in cap space for the Chiefs as they look to retool their roster.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs have released right tackle Jawaan Taylor, a move that will save the team $20 million in salary cap space. Taylor was signed to a four-year, $80 million contract in 2023, but after two uneven seasons, the Chiefs felt it was time to part ways with the former second-round draft pick.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are looking to make notable roster upgrades after their first losing season in the Patrick Mahomes era. Clearing significant cap space through Taylor's release will allow the team to be more active in free agency as they aim to reestablish themselves as a powerhouse in the AFC.

The details

Taylor committed 13 penalties and allowed 3 sacks and 20 total pressures during the 2025-26 season. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach felt Taylor's cost did not match his on-field performance, leading to the decision to release him. The move will incur $7.39 million in dead money, but it frees up $20 million that the Chiefs can use to address other needs on the roster.

  • The Chiefs will release Jawaan Taylor before the start of the new league year.
  • The 2025-26 season was Taylor's second uneven year with the Chiefs.

The players

Jawaan Taylor

A former second-round draft pick who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Chiefs in 2023 but struggled over the past two seasons.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is making roster moves to position the team for success in free agency and the upcoming season.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has led the team to success in recent years but experienced his first losing season in 2025-26.

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What they’re saying

“The move will free up $20 million and incur $7.39 million in dead money, per Over the Cap.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to use the $20 million in cap space freed up by releasing Jawaan Taylor to address other needs on the roster and position the team for success in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' decision to release Jawaan Taylor, a high-priced offensive lineman, highlights the team's commitment to making necessary roster changes to bounce back from their first losing season in the Patrick Mahomes era. This move gives the Chiefs more financial flexibility to retool their roster and reestablish themselves as a contender in the AFC.