In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs are poised to part ways with right tackle Jawaan Taylor, their high-profile $80 million signing who has turned into one of the league’s most notorious underperformers. As the 2025 season winds down, insiders are buzzing about the team’s decision to cut ties, freeing up cap space and signaling a major reset for the offensive line. With the Chiefs clinging to slim playoff hopes, this bold step underscores their desperation to protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and reclaim their championship form.
The Chiefs’ Struggling Season Sets the Stage
The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory this year, battling for a wildcard spot rather than dominating the AFC as in years past. Currently sitting at a middling 6-6 record and third in the AFC West, the team has faced injuries, inconsistencies, and a tougher conference landscape.
Under head coach Andy Reid and with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have historically been playoff locks, but 2025 has been a grind. They’re trying to grab a last-ditch playoff spot, but with strong competition from division leaders like the Denver Broncos (10-2), it’s an uphill battle. This underwhelming performance has forced the front office to evaluate every roster spot, and Taylor’s name has risen to the top of the cut list.
The Rise and Fall of Jawaan Taylor
Taylor arrived in Kansas City with high expectations after signing a four-year, $80 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. The move was part of the Chiefs’ strategy to bolster their offensive line and provide better protection for Mahomes, who had led the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances. Initially seen as a key upgrade from his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Taylor started at right tackle for all three seasons since joining.
However, his tenure has been marred by a staggering number of penalties—49 flags (41 accepted) over 45 games, making him the most penalized player in the NFL during that span. For context, the next closest is Laremy Tunsil with 37. These infractions, including holding and false starts, have repeatedly stalled drives and put Mahomes in precarious positions. ESPN’s Dan Graziano highlighted this issue, noting Taylor’s role in the team’s protection woes.
Recent games have only amplified the concerns. In Week 11, Taylor’s performance drew sharp criticism, with analysts pointing to it as further evidence of his liabilities. Even the coaching staff, including offensive line coach Andy Heck, has publicly addressed his penalty problems without signaling immediate changes—until now. Adding to the drama, Taylor has been dealing with injuries, listed as doubtful for Week 14 due to a triceps issue, alongside guard Trey Smith.
The Financial and Strategic Calculus
The decision to dump Taylor isn’t just about performance—it’s a calculated business move. With one year left on his deal carrying $20 million in non-guaranteed money, the Chiefs can release him and absorb about $7.4 million in dead cap space for 2026. This would provide much-needed flexibility to pursue other linemen or extensions for core players.
Predictions from outlets like Sporting News suggest this cut is imminent, allowing the team to save $20 million against the cap. The Chiefs have already positioned themselves for life after Taylor by signing Jaylen Moore in free agency during the 2025 offseason. Moore could slide into the starting right tackle role, offering a fresh start and potentially better discipline on the line.
This isn’t the first time Taylor’s job security has been questioned. As early as June 2025, reports indicated he wasn’t guaranteed to retain his starting spot amid competition in training camp. A contract restructure in October 2024 hinted at efforts to make his deal more palatable, but persistent issues have sealed his fate.
Protecting Mahomes: The Bigger Picture
At the heart of this decision is the need to safeguard Patrick Mahomes, whose elite play has often masked deficiencies in the offensive line. The Chiefs haven’t provided consistent protection in recent years, and Taylor’s penalties have contributed to that vulnerability. Mahomes has been sacked more frequently than in his prime seasons, impacting the team’s explosive offense.
By moving on from Taylor, Kansas City aims to reset the line and prioritize Mahomes’ health and effectiveness. Whether through free agency, the draft, or internal promotions, the offseason focus will be on building a more reliable front five. As Graziano puts it, if it means trying something new at right tackle, that’s exactly what the Chiefs will do to get back to contending for Super Bowls.
What’s Next for Taylor and the Chiefs?
For Jawaan Taylor, this could mark the end of a tumultuous chapter in Kansas City. At 28 years old, he still has the physical tools that made him a second-round pick in 2019, but he’ll need to address his discipline issues to land with another team—perhaps one willing to take a flyer on a prove-it deal.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ front office, led by GM Brett Veach, will turn their attention to the remaining games and the offseason rebuild. With Mahomes’ window still open, dumping this $80 million disaster might just be the stunning wake-up call the dynasty needs to reignite.
As the 2025 season concludes, all eyes will be on Arrowhead Stadium to see if this gamble pays off. For now, it’s over for Taylor in red and gold—the end of an era, and the start of something new.