Chiefs to Release Jawaan Taylor, clear $20M in cap space
Jaylon Moore is poised to step in after Kansas City climbs from a deep cap deficit to pre–free agency flexibility.
The Kansas City Chiefs will create significant salary cap relief for the third consecutive week.
The Chiefs informed right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the NFL’s new league year on March 11, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who first reported the news. Schefter added that the release is barring a trade.
The release will clear roughly $20 million in cap space and officially push Kansas City into the black after beginning the offseason an estimated $57 million over the NFL salary cap.
The move continues a deliberate and aggressive cap-reset strategy that began earlier this month. The Chiefs first restructured quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract, freeing up just under $44 million in space. They followed that by releasing defensive end Mike Danna, a move that created nearly $9 million in relief.
Combined with Taylor’s release, Kansas City now sits roughly $14.3 million under the cap with free agency set to open next week, according to Over the Cap. That provides general manager Brett Veach flexibility to make additions, though further moves could be on the horizon.
The Chiefs could clear an additional $10 million if they opt to release linebacker Drue Tranquill ($6 million) and tight end Noah Gray (approximately $3.97 million). Veach also mentioned last week that the team has roughly $60 million in convertible contracts available for simple restructures.
Those candidates include center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith, defensive tackle Chris Jones, defensive end George Karlaftis, and linebacker Nick Bolton, all of whom are on long-term deals. The impending return of tight end Travis Kelce will also need to be accounted for on the books.
From a football standpoint, Taylor’s departure signals confidence in Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year, $30 million contract last offseason. Moore started four games at left tackle in 2025 during Josh Simmons’ leave of absence and started two more late in the season after Taylor landed on injured reserve with an elbow injury.
Taylor, 28, originally signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Kansas City in 2023 after beginning his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started 45 games over three seasons with the Chiefs and helped anchor the offensive line during a Super Bowl LVIII championship run and a Super Bowl LIX appearance.
The seven-year veteran’s tenure in Kansas City, however, was often defined by penalties. Taylor had 50 accepted penalties over three seasons, finishing last in the league in 2023 with 20. Alignment issues and false starts became recurring frustrations.
That said, his pass protection was steadier than the narrative suggested. According to Pro Football Focus, Taylor graded as roughly a top-40 offensive tackle across his three seasons with the Chiefs. He allowed just 15 sacks over that span and surrendered only 20 pressures in 517 pass-blocking snaps last season.
Moore, a five-year veteran with 18 career starts, now appears positioned to take over. He graded well in spot duty with the San Francisco 49ers while backing up Trent Williams and showed competency in limited action for Kansas City last season.
With the league year approaching, the Chiefs have methodically worked their way from a significant deficit to manageable flexibility. More moves could follow, but for now, Kansas City has positioned itself to participate in free agency rather than simply survive it.