Chiefs Gut Mahomes' 0%-Sack-Rate Tackle During ACL Recovery—$85M Cap Bomb Drops In 2027

Kansas City's financial reckoning threatens to end the franchise's dynasty after three Super Bowl wins in four years.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:03am

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The Kansas City Chiefs released starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who allowed zero sacks in 2025, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL and LCL. The move was a cap-saving measure, not a football decision, as the Chiefs have restructured Mahomes' contract four times to create short-term relief, pushing $11 million per year in cap hits into the future. This has created an $85.25 million cap hit for Mahomes in 2027, threatening to dismantle the Chiefs' roster and end their dynasty.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' decision to release a key offensive lineman while their franchise quarterback recovers from a major injury highlights the financial challenges the team faces due to years of contract restructuring. This cap crisis could force the Chiefs to make more difficult roster decisions and end their decade-long playoff streak, raising questions about the sustainability of their recent success.

The details

The Chiefs released starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor on March 4, 2026, during Mahomes' rehab window after he suffered a torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 of the 2025 season. Taylor had signed a four-year, $80 million deal before the 2023 season and allowed zero sacks in 2025, making him one of the team's most effective pass protectors. However, the Chiefs were more than $57 million over the salary cap, forcing them to cut Taylor as a cap casualty rather than a football decision.

  • On December 14, 2025, Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL during a Week 15 loss to the Chargers.
  • Mahomes underwent surgery the next day on December 15, 2025.
  • The Chiefs released starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor on March 4, 2026, during Mahomes' rehab window.
  • On March 25, 2026, Mahomes posted a video on Instagram showing himself throwing a pass, 100 days after his surgery.
  • Mahomes' stated goal is to return by Week 1 of the 2026 season.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs' star quarterback who suffered a torn ACL and LCL in December 2025 and is currently in a rigorous rehabilitation program to return by the start of the 2026 season.

Jawaan Taylor

The Chiefs' starting right tackle who was released in March 2026 despite allowing zero sacks in 2025, as the team needed to cut costs due to salary cap issues.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has confirmed the intensity of Mahomes' rehabilitation program and that the quarterback is ahead of his projected timeline.

Julie Frymyer

The athletic trainer working with Mahomes during his seven-hour-per-day rehabilitation sessions.

Brittany Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes' wife, who is a co-owner of the KC Current NWSL team, which has struggled with three consecutive losses after a season-opening win.

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What they’re saying

“He keeps showing up. That's about half the battle on these things.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

“Felt Great being able to throw the ball around today!”

— Patrick Mahomes

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.