It's a busy week in the NFL as teams try to clear cap space for upcoming free agency and the draft. Unfortunately for Jawaan Taylor, it means that his time in Kansas City has come to an end.
Taylor, who starred for the Gators from 2016-2018, was informed that he'll be released by the Chiefs in an effort to save $20 million in cap space, putting the former second-round pick back on the free agent market.
Chiefs have informed OT Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the league year barring a trade, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2026
Taylor’s release will save the Chiefs $20 million under the cap. pic.twitter.com/Tzbnw4x6xl
Taylor played his first four years with the Jaguars, starting every game. He signed a four-year, $80M contract with the Chiefs in 2023 and has been their starting right tackle for most of the past three seasons. He fought off an elbow injury in 2025 and was placed on injured reserve late in the season.
His time in Kansas City was a mixed bag. Taylor was ranked near the bottom of the list among tackles according to PFF, often citing his struggles with run blocking and with penalties.
Jawaan Taylor set to be released by the Chiefs
Despite his struggles in Kansas City, Taylor will likely get another decent contract in free agency. He has been part of a Super Bowl-winning team and has proven to be a durable player with 111 starts over his seven seasons.
Taylor seemed to see the writing on the wall in Kansas City when he made a post to his X account thanking the fans for their support shortly after the season ended.
Year 7.
— Jawaan M. Taylor ♛ (@jawaan_taylor74) January 6, 2026
Not the ending we imagined. But I’m thankful for the opportunity, the grind, the lessons, and the fans who never wavered. Through wins, losses, and everything in between Chiefs Kingdom showed up. That never goes unnoticed. Forever Grateful.
- 74. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X3bAcAk4nj
"Not the ending we imagined. But I’m thankful for the opportunity, the grind, the lessons, and the fans who never wavered. Through wins, losses, and everything in between Chiefs Kingdom showed up. That never goes unnoticed. Forever Grateful," Taylor said in the post.
The new NFL league year begins next Wednesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. and we'll see where Taylor lands for the 2026 season.