The Kansas City Chiefs are finally pulling the plug on Jawaan Taylor, as first reported on Monday morning by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The erratic right tackle was one of the weakest links on the team last season, and given the financial ramifications of his massive contract, letting him go was a no-brainer move.
The Chiefs will take a $7.3 million cap hit and will save $20 million against the salary cap with this move. His never-ending issues with penalties and recent injuries made this a logical move for GM Brett Veach.
That said, Kansas City is a bit thin along the offensive line. And, given their underwhelming set of options, they might have no choice but to move star rookie Josh Simmons from the left side of the line to the right.
The Chiefs May Want to Move Josh Simmons to Right Tackle
As things stand now, Jaylon Moore makes the most sense to take over as the team's starting right tackle in 2026. The Chiefs made a steep financial investment in him last season, and he's the most proven veteran at the spot right now.
That said, Moore didn't play all that well last season. According to Pro Football Focus' grading system, his pass-block grade (57.1) ranked 72nd among 89 eligible tackles. He allowed 27 total pressures, two QB hits, and gave up three sacks in just 427 snaps played.
That puts Simmons in an awkward position. He has extensive experience at right tackle at both San Diego State and Ohio State. In fact, he began his collegiate career playing on the right side of the line before moving to the left.
The Chiefs drafted him to be Patrick Mahomes' blindside protector. With the former league MVP coming off a season-ending injury -- the first major ailment of his career -- that should still be his primary assignment. Then again, with no feasible options at right tackle, they might have to break the glass in case of an emergency.
The Chiefs can also give Wanya Morris yet another chance to prove that he's worth a roster spot. He has rarely played at right tackle, even though he seems to be a better fit at that position. Chu Godrick and Esa Pole also showed that they could be in the mix last season, but being a full-time starter is a whole different thing than being a rotational piece.
Ethan Driskell and Matt Waletzko are also long shots to get an opportunity. That said, as things stand now, it looks like the Chiefs will have to address the position at some point in the offseason. Taylor wasn't very good recently, but there aren't many options to replace him.