Chiefs to Cut OT Jawaan Taylor, Save $20M

Veteran right tackle's release expected after high penalty count in Kansas City

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs are planning to release veteran offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, according to multiple reports. Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Chiefs in 2023, but the team is looking to save over $20 million in cap space by cutting him before the final year of the contract. Taylor was penalized an NFL-high 49 times (41 accepted) across 45 games with the Chiefs and is expected to be replaced by Jaylon Moore on the offensive line.

Why it matters

The Chiefs were nearly $60 million over the projected 2026 salary cap when the 2025 season ended, so they are making tough roster decisions to get under the cap. Releasing Taylor, who has struggled with penalties, will provide significant relief as the team looks to build around star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The details

Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Chiefs in 2023 after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Taylor was penalized an NFL-high 49 times (41 accepted) across 45 games with the Chiefs, leading the team to decide to release him and save over $20 million in cap space.

  • Jawaan Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Chiefs in 2023.
  • The Chiefs were almost $60 million over the projected 2026 salary cap when the 2025 season ended.

The players

Jawaan Taylor

A 28-year-old offensive tackle who has played in 111 games (all starts) with the Jaguars and Chiefs since being drafted in the second round in 2019.

Jaylon Moore

Expected to replace Jawaan Taylor as the starting right tackle on the Chiefs' offensive line.

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What’s next

The Chiefs will look to trade Jawaan Taylor before outright releasing him, but if no trade offer materializes, they will cut him to save over $20 million in cap space for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Chiefs are making tough roster decisions to get under the salary cap, including parting ways with high-priced veteran Jawaan Taylor despite his starting role on the offensive line. This highlights the challenges teams face in managing the salary cap and building a contending roster around a star quarterback like Patrick Mahomes.