The Kansas City Chiefs have told right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the NFLās new league year begins March 11 unless a trade materializes, according to ESPNās Adam Schefter.
Parting ways with Taylor will clear $20 million in salary cap space, allowing Kansas City to move under the cap ahead of the new league year. The decision is the latest in a series of financial moves by the Chiefs, who also cut veteran defensive end Mike Danna and reworked quarterback Patrick Mahomesā contract last month.
The Chiefs could free up additional cap room by releasing linebacker Drue Tranquill and tight end Noah Gray, and by restructuring the contracts of defensive standout Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey. Kansas City began the offseason more than $57 million over the salary cap.
Taylor, 28, had one season left on his four-year, $80 million contract. Signed as a free agent in 2023, he helped solidify the offensive line during the Chiefsā Super Bowl run that season, when Kansas City became the first team in two decades to repeat as champions.
Although Taylor was effective in pass protection, penalties were an issue. He was flagged 49 times, with 41 accepted, over 45 games in a Chiefs uniform, the most among NFL linemen during that span.