Chiefs and Andy Reid decide to release Jawaan Taylor before NFL free agency
Getty
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
The Kansas City Chiefs have decided on whether they will release starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor ahead of NFL free agency. Insiders reported the news on the morning of March 2.
“Chiefs have informed OT Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the league year, barring a trade, per sources,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter relayed on X. He added that “Taylor’s release will save the Chiefs $20 million under the cap.”
This news was also confirmed by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, who noted that “Taylor’s absence creates breathing room.”
Jawaan Taylor News Finally Drops as Chiefs Get Cap-Compliant Before NFL Free Agency
Chiefs to release Jawaan Taylor amid NFL free agency news
GettyKansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor will be released ahead of NFL free agency.
The Chiefs cut their cap deficit from over $50 million to approximately $5.664 million by coming to an agreement on a contract restructure with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and releasing defensive end Mike Danna. However, general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid still needed to clear up some more room.
After the Taylor release, Kansas City will officially be cap-compliant. Meaning they will get themselves out of the negative ahead of the new league year.
Based on simple math, the Chiefs will have about $14.336 million in available cap space after this move. But there could be more coming.
KC has several holes to fill as it reshapes its roster, and Veach generally wants to have positions shored up before the NFL draft. The Chiefs always talk about adding to what they have in April, but the goal is to have a capable roster after free agency.
In order to achieve that goal, Kansas City will likely need more cap space than $14 million-plus.