The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release veteran offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor in a move that will save $20 million and have major implications for Patrick Mahomes
08:55 ET, 02 Mar 2026Updated 08:55 ET, 02 Mar 2026
Jawaan Taylor walks off the field
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Jawaan Taylor is expected to be released by the Chiefs(Image: Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to make a money-saving move that will have major ramifications for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
On the heels of a disappointing 2025 campaign in which they finished 6-11 and missed out on the playoffs, the Chiefs have wasted little time clearing the books. Earlier this month, Kansas City reconstructed Mahomes' contract to free up more than $43 million in cap space.
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs have continued to chip away at their payroll after informing offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released prior to the start of the new league year on March 11. Kansas City could still look to trade the 28-year-old, but he is unlikely to have many suitors given his underwhelming performance last season.
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The Chiefs would clear $20 million under the cap by releasing Taylor, who inked a four-year, $80 million contract with Kansas City in 2023 and possesses a cap hit of $27.4 million for the 2026 campaign.
In 2025, Taylor started 12 games for the Chiefs before being placed on injured reserve with a severe elbow/triceps injury he suffered during a Week 13 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. Over the past three seasons, he's started 45 games for Kansas City.
Prior to going down with his health setback last year, Taylor struggled to keep his penalties to a minimum while regularly being called for holding and false starts. Through three weeks of play, he led the league with a whopping seven penalties, forcing Chiefs head coach Andy Reid to address the concerning problem.
“Yeah, you know, when he doesn't have the penalties, the percentages have been good,” Reid told reporters. “So, you know, you could argue he’s one of the better tackles in his pass-protection game.
Jawaan Taylor plays against the Broncos
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Jawaan Taylor struggled with penalties during his tenure with the Chiefs(Image: Getty Images)
“So, I'm conscious of that, and then I'll take care of it from there … I might be giving you a call. You're looking good.”
Back in 2023, Taylor’s penalty woes reached an ugly head when he began drawing unwanted attention for how he aligned at the line of scrimmage.
On multiple occasions, the Florida product stood significantly behind the LOS, prompting officials to throw flags for illegal formation.
“It’s wild to me,” Mahomes said following a September 2023 game in which Taylor was called for two illegal formation penalties. “When you go back and look at the tablet, they’re both in the exact same spot.
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“I just don’t understand it. It’s hard because he’s playing great football, and he’s getting these penalties thrown on him.
“I know it’s hard to officiate. I watch a lot of tape, and he’s no deeper than any other tackle in the league. There’s other guys that are even further back than he is. It’s crazy to see.
“Hopefully, it kind of calms down as the season goes on. But he’s making adjustments — and it seems like even with his adjustments, they’re not good enough... I guess.”