The Atlanta Falcons desperately needed to address the blindside blocker and right tackle position this offseason following the sudden retirement of Kaleb McGary. McGary missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a significant left leg injury in August, while Storm Norton also sat out with an ankle injury. The Falcons’ depth was further weakened after losing Elijah Wilkinson, who started every game at right tackle, to the Arizona Cardinals.
Atlanta Falcons add a 1x-Super Bowl champion
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass as offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) gets ready to block during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass as offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) gets ready to block during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
According to Adam Schefter, the Falcons have signed Jawaan Taylor to a one-year, $5 million contract worth a maximum value of $6 million. As a result, the one-time Super Bowl champion will be tasked with protecting the blind sides of left-handed quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr in 2026. Taylor brings plenty of experience at right tackle to Atlanta, having started 111 regular-season and nine playoff games.
Falcons and former Chiefs free-agent offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor reached agreement today on a one-year deal with a base value of $5 million and an additional $1 million in incentives, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. pic.twitter.com/NhoXjoYMVj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 8, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
Kansas City Chiefs, Jawaan Taylor
Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) on field against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jawaan Taylor competed for the starting right tackle spot with Kansas City, a job he ultimately won. He had a solid 2025 campaign, allowing the fewest pressures, hurries, and sacks of his career, with 20 pressures, 12 hurries, five quarterback hits, and three sacks across 12 starts. Taylor suffered a season-ending elbow injury on Thanksgiving, forcing him to miss the final five games.
The Chiefs cut him in March.