🚨 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FACING TOUGH DECISIONS: Will They Move on from Jawaan Taylor and Reshape the Offensive Line? 👇

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2026 season, they face a major financial dilemma. The team needs to find a way to get under the NFL salary cap, which is projected to grow by over $20 million, reaching just over $303 million. However, the Chiefs are estimated to need to cut nearly $60 million in cap spending to become compliant. A big part of that is tied up in Patrick Mahomes’ massive contract, which is a potential target for restructuring. While restructuring Mahomes’ deal is practically guaranteed to free up significant space, the Chiefs will also have to make tough decisions regarding other high-priced players, including Jawaan Taylor, their right tackle.

The Chiefs’ Salary Cap Crunch and the Role of Patrick Mahomes’ Contract

Much of the Chiefs’ cap issues stem from the enormous contract of their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes’ deal is a hefty one, but Over the Cap’s projections suggest that a basic restructure could clear as much as $45 million in cap space. This move seems almost certain, as Mahomes is, of course, untouchable for Kansas City. Once that is addressed, the attention will likely turn to other areas of the roster, particularly the defensive line, with Chris Jones’s contract potentially on the chopping block. However, there’s a strong possibility that the Chiefs will focus on their offensive line to further trim the fat.

Jawaan Taylor’s Role and Cap Hit: A Tough Call for Kansas City

One of the Chiefs’ most pressing decisions involves right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who signed a big-ticket deal in 2023. His four-year, $80 million contract seemed like a smart move at the time, but his performance has been far from stellar. While Taylor has been serviceable, he hasn’t lived up to the expectations that came with his hefty contract. His cap hit for the upcoming season is $27.4 million, but the Chiefs could save $20 million by cutting him. The downside would be a $7.4 million dead cap hit, but it may be a price the Chiefs are willing to pay in order to get their finances in order. The fact that Taylor posted a “goodbye” message on Instagram after the season further suggests that his time in Kansas City might be coming to an end.

Who Could the Chiefs Turn to at Right Tackle if Taylor Is Cut?

If the Chiefs do decide to move on from Taylor, they have a few options to consider. One possibility is Jaylon Moore, whom the Chiefs signed to a two-year, $30 million deal last year. Moore was originally expected to start at left tackle, but the team later drafted Josh Simmons from Ohio State, who won the starting job in training camp. Although Simmons missed some time due to injury and personal matters, he performed well when healthy and is now expected to remain at left tackle.

This leaves Moore as a candidate for the right tackle spot, though his performance in limited action in 2025 was underwhelming. Despite this, the Chiefs clearly believed in him enough to sign him, and the small sample size could be a reason to give him another shot. The Chiefs also have one of the best interior offensive lines in the league, with Kingsley Suamataia at left guard, Creed Humphrey at center, and Trey Smith at right guard. The Chiefs may feel comfortable moving forward with Moore at right tackle, but only time will tell if they believe he can live up to expectations.

Could Moore Be a Cap Casualty Too?

However, Jaylon Moore himself carries a high cap hit—he has the sixth-highest cap hit on the team next season. If the Chiefs decide that Moore’s performance doesn’t justify his cost, he could find himself as a cap casualty. In this case, the Chiefs would need to look elsewhere for a right tackle, either through free agency or the NFL Draft. With the Chiefs’ limited cap space, they’ll have to be strategic about how they address the position.

Free Agency or the Draft: What’s the Best Route for the Chiefs?

If the Chiefs don’t feel confident in Moore, they could turn to the free agent market to find a new starting right tackle. A few years ago, they brought in Jawaan Taylor via free agency, and they could look for another experienced tackle to fill the void. Alternatively, the Chiefs could turn to the NFL Draft. They currently pick in the top 10 and have the chance to select one of the top tackles in the class, such as Spencer Fano from Utah or Francis Mauigoa from Miami. Both played on the right side in college, making them ideal candidates for the Chiefs’ needs.

The draft route is an intriguing option for the Chiefs, as selecting a young tackle like Fano or Mauigoa could provide long-term stability at the right tackle position. Both players have been highly regarded in college and could come in and make an immediate impact on the Chiefs’ offensive line. However, selecting a tackle in the draft comes with its own risks, as it would be difficult to predict whether a rookie would be ready to step in and start at such an important position.

What Will the Chiefs Do? The Offseason Is Critical

As the 2026 NFL offseason approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs will need to make some critical decisions regarding their offensive line. Whether they stick with Jaylon Moore, restructure Jawaan Taylor, or bring in a new free agent or rookie, the right tackle position is one of the key areas that will shape the Chiefs’ future. With the cap crunch, the Chiefs must make decisions that balance the financial aspect with the need for a high-performing offensive line to protect Patrick Mahomes and give him the necessary support.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Move for Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs are at a crossroads in the offseason, and what they do at right tackle could define their 2026 season. Whether they choose to restructure contracts, make cuts, or draft a new player to step in, the moves they make will have a significant impact on their ability to continue their championship aspirations. As always, Patrick Mahomes‘s health and protection will be at the forefront of the team’s decisions, and how they address the right tackle position will play a crucial role in the team’s success.

Stay tuned as the Chiefs’ offseason unfolds and watch how they handle their salary cap situation and tackle their offensive line needs heading into the 2026 season. Will they stay the course or make bold moves to get back to the top of the AFC?