Chiefs Projected to Cut $80 Million Bust

Jawaan Taylor has not played up to his contract in Kansas City, and one prominent NFL analyst expects the Chiefs to release the tackle in the coming months. Originally a second-round pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Taylor established himself as an average to slightly below average starter during his time in Florida. Kansas City clearly believed the Florida product had some untapped potential and signed him to a massive four-year, $80 million contract before the season in 2023.

Unfortunately, that gamble did not pay off, as Taylor has been one of the league’s worst tackles since joining the Chiefs. While he has played in two Super Bowls, he’s never come close to justifying his massive contract and finished the 2025 season with a 53.3 PFF grade, the 78th-best mark out of 86 eligible players.

Now set to carry a massive $27.4 million cap hit in 2026, Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox believes it’s time for the Chiefs to release Jawaan Taylor and move forward with some younger options.

“That gives them two young tackles [Jaylon Moore and first-round pick Josh Simmons] to start instead of Taylor,” Knox writes. “The 28-year-old didn’t give up any sacks this season, but has drawn 49 penalties in his three seasons with the Chiefs, per Sports Info Solutions. It’s time to move on.”

Chiefs Projected to Cut Jawaan Taylor

Quite frankly, this is a pretty safe prediction, as the Chiefs have every reason to release Jawaan Taylor. Kansas City must clear cap space, as it’s currently $54.5 million over next year’s projected salary cap. Releasing Taylor won’t singlehandedly get them to salary cap compliance, but it’s a great first step.

Offensive tackle is a premium position, and elite options can justify high cap hits. Unfortunately, Taylor has been one of the league’s worst starters for years on end, which makes it all the easier to justify a release. Chances are, Kansas City can find a more efficient way to invest his share of the cap hit.

The Chiefs won’t even need to sign a new tackle to replace Jawaan Taylor. As mentioned above, first-round pick Josh Simmons and veteran Jaylon Moore both have starting experience and, quite frankly, outplayed Taylor last year. While the team might want to pick up a cheap swing tackle, they should feel comfortable starting Moore and Simmons next year.

Jawaan Taylor’s Future

Jawaan Taylor won’t come close to making $20 million per year on his next contract, but some team will likely roll the dice on the seven-year starter. There are not enough good offensive tackles to go around, and he’ll get a chance to start somewhere. The Houston Texans, for instance, had one of the league’s worst offensive lines last year, and the constant pressure resulted in C.J. Stroud having one of the worst playoff performances of all time against the New England Patriots.

Alternatively, a team like the Los Angeles Chargers could sign Taylor to provide some insurance in case Joe Alt or Rashawn Slater suffer a setback in their return from injury.