Matt Nagy OC hire connects Giants to cut candidate in NFL free agency
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New York Giants new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
New York Giants offensive coordinator hire Matt Nagy creates a pipeline for any former Kansas City Chiefs who become available in NFL free agency, and the latest news on the KC front hints that right tackle Jawaan Taylor could be released.
FOX Sports national reporter Greg Auman highlighted Taylor as a top-10 NFL cut candidate in the coming weeks, and he explained why any potential departure might lead to the former $80 million man signing in New York.
“Taylor, 28, played every snap in two Super Bowls for the Chiefs, winning one, but he’s due to make $20 million in 2026, and the Chiefs are way over the cap, so he makes sense as one of their cuts,” Auman wrote.
“[Taylor has] led them in penalties in each of his three years in Kansas City — 41 accepted penalties in all — and the Chiefs have invested draft picks in their line to get ahead of this,” the blurb continued. “Could he follow offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to the Giants? Pro Football Focus ranked him 76th out of 80 tackles this past season.”
Obviously, Taylor isn’t coming off his best season. Having said that, the veteran blocker has always been known as a top-tier pass protector, and the Giants will be looking to keep rising franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart safe at all costs.
It should be noted that the Chiefs recently freed up nearly $44 million in cap space by restructuring the contract of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, Kansas City still finds itself in the negative despite that, and Taylor’s cut would help get the Chiefs cap-compliant before the start of the new league year.
Giants’ Right Tackle Decision Could Come Down to Jermaine Eluemunor vs. Jawaan Taylor in NFL Free Agency
Chiefs' Jawaan Taylor news sets up Giants pursuit in NFL free agency
GettyKansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor is expected to be released ahead of NFL free agency.
There are likely several Giants fans reading this who would prefer Big Blue re-sign Jermaine Eluemunor.
Eluemunor has become a fast fan favorite in New York, living up to his two-year, $14 million contract. After joining the Giants in 2024, the right tackle has displayed passion and pride. He’s also made it clear that he wants to be here.
Having said that, Eluemunor is due for a new contract, and he might require a mild raise. On the flip side, it’s unclear how much Taylor would cost coming off a down season.
Entering his age-29 season, Taylor already had his major payday with the Chiefs. Kansas City agreed to pay him $20 million per year in 2023, and the offensive lineman did help them win a Super Bowl.
Still, Taylor’s days of commanding $20 million per year are certainly over.
If Taylor is released, it’ll be interesting to see what his free agent market is like. Especially with the fanbase leaning toward an Eluemunor extension.
This could be a huge decision for Giants head coach John Harbaugh and his new OC, Nagy.
Giants’ Matt Nagy News Opens Up Chiefs Pipeline
The Baltimore Ravens are obviously the No. 1 team to watch when it comes to potential Giants targets. Harbaugh has ties to several Ravens players, and it would be surprising if at least one or two don’t follow him to New York.
Outside of the Ravens, the Giants could also become a sneaky landing spot for ex-Chiefs.
Nagy has had mixed reviews as a coach throughout his career, but he’s generally well-liked by his players. And Kansas City’s cap-strapped financials create a situation where Chiefs free agents could look to move on.
Needless to say, Nagy’s ties offer a familiar landing spot with the Giants. And Taylor would fill a need if things don’t work out with Eluemunor.