Andrew Buller-Russ
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, there’s no denying that the Kansas City Chiefs need to make some changes. We’ve already seen them say goodbye to Matt Nagy, leading to a reunion with Eric Bieniemy. Now it’s time to shake up the roster.
The Chiefs haven’t been afraid to make changes, even after they win Super Bowls. Sometimes, those decisions don’t pan out. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is ready to admit that he made an $80 million mistake.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Chiefs will be releasing offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. Releasing him will save the Chiefs roughly $20 million in salary cap space.
The 28-year-old started 12 games in Kansas City last season, the third season of a four-year, $80 million contract signed in 2023. Taylor started 45 games for the Chiefs and helped them win a Super Bowl. Taylor previously spent four seasons with the Jaguars, starting all 66 of his appearances in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars made Taylor the 35th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Florida native has played seven seasons, earning a trip to the playoffs three times.
Pro Football Focus had Taylor ranked 80th among 89 offensive tackles in 2025, earning positive marks for his work as a pass-blocker (49th out of 89) and negative grades as a run blocker (88th out of 89). Now, as Taylor looks for his next team, expect an offense with a pass-heavy scoring attack to take a long look at him in free agency.
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