Jawaan Taylor’s Next Move: Could the Texans Be His Landing Spot After Chiefs’ Release?

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2026 NFL season, they’re already making major roster decisions, including parting ways with veteran offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. The Chiefs informed Taylor that he would be released before the official start of the league year on March 11, unless a trade is finalized beforehand, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

While this move saves Kansas City $20 million in cap space, it leaves Taylor searching for a new team after three seasons with the Chiefs. As is the case with most available offensive tackles, there will likely be interest from multiple teams, and Taylor may already have a potential landing spot in mind.

Texans’ Trade of Tytus Howard Opens Door for Taylor

Following the Houston Texans trade of right tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns, it seems that Houston could be primed to pursue Jawaan Taylor as their next right tackle. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Texans parted ways with Howard after trading him for a fifth-round pick and a three-year, $63 million contract extension with the Browns.

This left the Texans with a void at right tackle, and given Taylor’s veteran experience, he could be the ideal candidate to step into the role. At 28 years old, Taylor still has plenty of gas left in the tank, and with a solid track record of 93 career starts, his services could be exactly what Houston needs.

The trade for Howard raised questions about the Texans’ commitment to paying their offensive line at the level Howard was slated to receive. With Howard now out of the picture, and Trent Brown also entering free agency, the Texans need to fill the right tackle position as soon as possible, which makes Taylor an appealing option.

Taylor’s Decline in 2025 Doesn’t Deter Interest

While Taylor’s 2025 season was a bit underwhelming, it’s important to recognize that he is still a reliable option at tackle. After posting a career-low 53.3 overall grade in 2025, Taylor’s performance dipped significantly, and his struggles contributed to the Chiefs’ decision to move on from him. He played only 760 snaps last season, but he was still serviceable in pass protection, allowing 20 pressures and three sacks on 479 pass-blocking snaps.

However, penalties have been a consistent issue for Taylor throughout his career. He was flagged 13 times in 2025 (with three declined), bringing his career total to 95 penalties, including 14 declined. Despite these issues, Taylor remains a serviceable starter with significant upside if he can correct some of his inconsistencies.

While Taylor’s decline in 2025 might have caused concern for the Chiefs, teams like the Texans could look at his prior seasons and his age as indicators of untapped potential. Taylor’s contract was slated to pay him $20 million in 2026, but after his release, he is likely to sign a new deal closer to $10-$12 million annually, with OverTheCap placing his 2025 valuation at $11.5 million.

Why Taylor Makes Sense for the Texans

For the Texans, acquiring a reliable but affordable tackle like Taylor makes sense, especially considering the team’s position in the draft. This year’s draft class is full of offensive line prospects, but many of them are considered projects rather than immediate starters. Taylor, on the other hand, could be a short-term solution while the Texans continue to develop their young roster.

Even if Taylor is only signed for one year, he would give Houston stability at right tackle, something they have lacked since Tytus Howard’s inconsistent play. In an increasingly competitive AFC South, solidifying the offensive line is a critical step for the Texans, and Taylor could be a key piece in that process.

Additionally, his familiarity with high-pressure situations in the NFL could help the Texans develop their young quarterbacks, who will benefit from a more stable offensive front. Taylor’s ability to help in both the run game and pass protection gives the Texans a multi-dimensional contributor, which will be important for offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s system.

What’s Next for Jawaan Taylor?

After his release from Kansas City, Jawaan Taylor’s market will likely heat up quickly. While the Texans are emerging as a strong potential landing spot, other teams in need of an experienced offensive tackle might also enter the fray.

For Taylor, the next steps involve proving that his 2025 season was a fluke and that he can return to his prior level of play. If he can do that, the Texans could get a bargain deal for a veteran who still has several good years ahead of him.

In the coming weeks, we’ll likely see teams assess their needs on the offensive line and how they can improve their depth. For Taylor, the goal is simple: find a team that values his size, experience, and versatility while offering a fresh start. Given the Texans’ current needs, they may already have their sights set on making Taylor a central part of their 2026 offensive line.

As for the Kansas City Chiefs, their decision to part ways with Taylor may have been necessary for financial reasons, but it also opens the door for other teams, like the Texans, to capitalize on his talent at a reduced price. The next few weeks will be crucial for both Taylor’s career and the Texans’ offensive line plans, as they work to shore up one of the most important positions in football.