The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to part ways with right tackle Jawaan Taylor unless they can secure a trade deal, according to multiple media reports. The move would create more than $20 million in salary cap relief for the 2026 season.
Taylor inked a massive four-year contract worth $80 million when he arrived in Kansas City as a free agent two years ago. The 2026 campaign represents the concluding year of that lucrative agreement.
Kansas City found themselves facing a significant financial crunch, sitting nearly $60 million above the projected salary cap following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Despite the league’s salary cap climbing to over $300 million – higher than many anticipated – general manager Brett Veach still faces considerable pressure to trim costs.
The organization has already made several financial adjustments, including parting ways with defensive end Mike Danna and reworking quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract structure. Additional cost-cutting measures are anticipated in the coming weeks.
The 28-year-old Taylor would likely see his roster spot filled by Jaylon Moore along Kansas City’s offensive front.
During his tenure with the Chiefs, Taylor accumulated a league-leading 49 penalties over 45 games, with 41 of those infractions being accepted by officials.
Throughout his professional career, Taylor has appeared in 111 games as a starter, beginning with Jacksonville from 2019-2022 before joining Kansas City. The Jaguars selected him in the second round as the 35th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
