Moving on from Jawaan Taylor looked like an easy decision at the time. The Kansas City Chiefs saved $20 million in cap space while getting rid of a player coming off a season-ending elbow injury and some disappointing performances.
It's been weeks since Taylor became a free agent, yet there have been little to no rumors about his next career move. And, judging by the league-wide landscape, his performances, and his market value, that may not change until after April's draft.
Jawaan Taylor Still Having a Tough Time Finding Another Team
According to Spotrac, Taylor's next contract is projected to be for three years and $45 million, an annual average value of $15 million. While that might not be that much for a right tackle, he didn't live up to his big contract in Kansas City, so teams seem to be hesitant to make that type of investment in him.
Taylor's never-ending disciplinary issues kept holding this team back again and again. He was called for a whopping 13 penalties last season, and that's despite missing five games. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed 20 total pressures in 12 contests, including five QB hits and three sacks. That's just not acceptable for someone making that type of money.
PFF gave him a 43.8 run-blocking grade, the second-worst among 89 eligible tackles. The Chiefs averaged just 106.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 25th in the league, and Taylor's miscues had plenty to do with that.
If that wasn't enough, this year's draft will feature prominent OT prospects like Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, Caleb Lomu, Monroe Freeling, Blake Miller, Max Iheanachor, and Kadyn Proctor. Several of them play on the left side of the line, but some may have to adjust to the right side to be starters right away in the pros. That only lowers Taylor's potential asking price even further.
There aren't many teams likely to make a run at an underperforming veteran right tackle after the draft. That said, the Chiefs could still consider a reunion if the price makes sense, given that Andy Reid was always a big fan of his game and that they don't seem to have many viable alternatives.
Beyond that possibility, as slim as it may be, Taylor may have to wait for someone to get hurt or to impress with a training camp deal to secure a roster spot for next season. Given that he's already made plenty of money in his seven-year career, earning his way onto a roster could be easier to stomach than it would be for other free agents.