Kansas City, MO 
The Kansas City Chiefs are staring down one of the most difficult offseasons of the Patrick Mahomes era, and the first major decision has already surfaced behind the scenes. According to team sources, the coaching staff has informed a high-priced veteran that he is
not part of next season’s plans, signaling the beginning of a roster shakeup that many around the league expected.
The conversation reportedly took place late this week as the Chiefs continued to evaluate personnel during their slide to 6–6. With the team facing a projected$60 million cap deficit for 2026, Kansas City has begun notifying veteran starters whose contracts no longer align with long-term roster construction.
Jawaan Taylor — the right tackle who signed a four-year, $80 million contract in 2023 — was among the first to be informed. After a turbulent 2025 season marked by inconsistency and costly penalties, Taylor was told directly by head coach Andy Reid that the organization is preparing to move forward without him next year.
Taylor’s performance has dipped sharply, posting a 53.3 PFF grade, ranking 72nd out of 80 qualifying tackles. His 13 penalties, the most by any tackle this season, have repeatedly stalled drives for an offense already struggling to find rhythm. For a team built around timing, precision, and clean pockets for Mahomes, the mistakes have become too heavy to ignore.
Financially, the decision almost makes itself. Moving on from Taylor would free approximately $20 million in cap space, a crucial number for a franchise confronting one of the tightest cap crunches in the league. Kansas City’s front office believes they already have a potential replacement in swing tackle Jaylon Moore, who has impressed internally and is viewed as capable of stepping into a full-time role.
Taylor’s agents have now begun exploring interest from multiple teams for the 2026 season. Several offensive line-needy franchises are expected to inquire, believing that a change of scenery — and a less penalty-sensitive system — could help the former Jaguars standout reset his value.
Inside the Chiefs’ building, the message has been clear. With the team’s division dominance slipping and the AFC West crown in jeopardy, Kansas City is preparing to reshape the roster aggressively to keep its championship window open. Taylor’s likely departure is only the first step.
As the Chiefs continue the push toward the postseason, the looming overhaul has become impossible to ignore. Tough decisions are coming. And for Jawaan Taylor, the next chapter has already begun.
