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 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 uncertainty entering the 2026 season, though there’s optimism he could play in Week 1.
While Kansas City continues to manage his injury, its front office has been making aggressive decisions in the offseason. 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.
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On Monday, the Chiefs made another consequential move tied 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.
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 the Super Bowl over the San Francisco 49ers two years ago.
In 2025 he started 12 games before being placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury. 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. 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 look to restructure the contracts of other players, including defensive tackle Chris Jones, to free additional space.