By MATT PIKE
The Kansas City Chiefs informed right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the NFL's new league year, barring a trade to help free cap space as free agency opens next week.
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter the Chiefs informed Taylor of the move, which will will save the Chiefs $20 million against the salary cap and will allow them to be under the cap when the league year starts March 11. The Chiefs entered the offseason more than $57 million over the cap, but have made moves over the past months including releasing veteran defensive end Mike Danna and restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes' contract.
The 28 year old offensive lineman Taylor had one year remaining on a four-year, $80 million deal. He joined the Chiefs in 2023 as a free agent and helped stabilize the offensive line as Kansas City won the Super Bowl that season to become the NFL's first repeat champion in 20 years. While Taylor was a productive pass blocker, he struggled with penalties, committing 49, 41 which were accepted, in 45 games with the Chiefs, the most of any lineman during that span.
Kansas City still could create even more cap space by releasing linebacker Drue Tranquill and tight end Noah Gray while also restructuring the contracts of pass rusher Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey. Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year contract worth $30 million before last season, is expected to be the starting right tackle for the upcoming season.
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