KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs have informed right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the new league year on March 11, according to multiple reports.
The expected roster move saves the Chiefs $20 million against the salary cap while leaving $7 million in dead money.
After his rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars expired following the 2022 season, Taylor signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Chiefs and became their starting right tackle.
Taylor’s three-year tenure in Kansas City included 52 starts in the regular season and playoffs. He took over the team’s right tackle spot after Andrew Wylie departed.
Last week, the Chiefs began clearing cap space by releasing defensive end Mike Danna. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was candid about the potential release of Taylor and linebacker Drue Tranquill.
“These guys started for us, and they’ve played a lot of football for us,” Veach said of Taylor and Tranquill. “I don’t know if we’re six or seven (million) over, but I think we have 60 million in convertible contracts, too.”
With Taylor’s release, the Chiefs are now estimated to have between $11.5 million and $14.5 million in cap room entering the new league year. Tranquill’s release would free up another $6 million.
As the roster stands, Jaylon Moore would be the projected starter at right tackle, with Esa Pole providing offseason competition. Kansas City also could add a tackle through free agency or in next month’s NFL draft.