Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Chiefs Release Super Bowl Champion After Patrick Mahomes Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 8:14 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are deep into a roster reset after a disappointing 2025 season in which they finished 6-11. Most notably, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the face of the franchise and a future Hall of Famer, suffered a torn ACL and LCL in mid-December, ending his year and leaving Kansas City without its leader during the final stretch of the season. His injury has created some level of uncertainty entering the 2026 season, though there’s optimism he could play in Week 1.

While Kansas City continue to manage his injury, its front office has been making aggressive decisions in the offseason. In a major cap move, the Chiefs restructured Mahomes’ contract to lower his 2026 salary cap hit from approximately $78.2 million to $34.65 million, creating an estimated $43.56 million in cap space that gives the team more flexibility while Mahomes rehabs and prepares for a return.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and head coach Andy Reid.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

On Monday, the Chiefs made another consequential decision tied to its flexibility by releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Taylor’s departure saves significant cap room — $20 million in 2026 while leaving $7.4 million in dead money — a necessary move for Kansas City as it works toward compliance before the new league year begins March 11.

Taylor, 28, was a key starter since signing a four-year, $80 million contract with the Chiefs in March 2023 and helped Kansas City win Super Bowl LVIII over the San Francisco 49ers.

The #Chiefs are releasing former starting OT Jawaan Taylor, creating some much-needed cap space, source says.

Due a $27.4M cap hit, Taylor’s absence creates breathing room. pic.twitter.com/GIXVhytKZD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2026

However, in 2025 he started 12 games before being placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury, and over his three seasons in Kansas City he struggled with consistency and penalties despite his overall durability and experience.

His release comes alongside other cost-cutting moves in a Chiefs offseason marked by restructuring and veteran departures. Defensive end Mike Danna was released in February to clear cap space, and the team has explored further adjustments to manage its financial position after finishing well over the projected salary cap.

With Taylor gone, the Chiefs have interior offensive line options they may lean on while continuing to retool. Players like Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year deal last offseason, and 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons are expected to be part of the rotation in 2026.

The team could also look at restructures of other high-cap players, including defensive tackle Chris Jones, to free additional space.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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