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The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly informed starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor that they plan to release him before the start of the new league year barring a trade, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter Monday (March 2).
"Chiefs have informed OT Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the league year barring a trade, per sources. Taylor’s release will save the Chiefs $20 million under the cap," Schefter wrote on his X account.
Taylor, 28, had one-year remaining on a four-year, $80 million deal, having excelled as a pass blocker, but was flagged 49 times (41 accepted) in 45 games, the most by any lineman during that span. The move will reportedly saved the Chiefs $20 million against the salary cap and allow them to be under the cap once the new year officially starts on March 11.
Kansas City had already made cap-trimming moves by releasing veteran defensive end Mike Danna and agreeing to a restructured deal with quarterback Patrick Mahomes last month. The Chiefs could also release linebacker Drew Tranquill and tight end Noah Gray, as well as restructure current deals with defensive lineman Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey prior to free agency, according to ESPN's Nate Taylor.
Kansas City entered the offseason with more than $57 million over the cap coming off a 6-11 season, having missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and finished with a sub-.500 record for the first time since 2012.