The Kansas City Chiefs watched a familiar problem emerge in Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Over the last two years, a common theme for offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor has been presnap penalties and mistakes that would be expected from a rookie, not an offensive lineman with Taylor's experience. It is an issue that reared its head yet again in a key spot, with the right tackle lining up incorrectly yet again, earning an illegal formation flag that would negate a key Kansas City first down at the Broncos' 2-yard line.
Understandably, this left a level of angst and frustration for a fan base that didn't hesitate to vent after Kansas City fell to 5-5 on the season. Some Chiefs fans went so far as to suggest that "Jawaan Taylor needs to be pulled at this point. He’s costing the Chiefs too much. "
It is a very fair point when you consider that Jaylon Moore is sitting on the bench when he has already proven to be a capable starter. Moore was forced to step in while left tackle Josh Simmons was absent due to a personal matter. Everything about the tackle's performance suggested he would be capable of stepping in on the opposite side and playing at a high level.
Chiefs Fans Calling for Jawaan Taylor's Job After Latest Penalty Frustration
This is far from the first time that the Chiefs have had this level of frustration with Taylor continuing to make the simplest of mistakes. It isn't all that difficult to understand that you need to be at the center's belt line or above when lining up. Just as it shouldn't be difficult for Taylor to grasp the concept of avoiding consistently jumping before the ball is snapped. There have been too many instances of this during key spots that it is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore.
Simmons is the rookie who should be having these mental lapses. Instead, it is the veteran who is quickly pushing towards a potential divorce. According to Spotrac, Simmons is scheduled to be a $27 million cap hit next season, but could be cut ahead of the 2026 season for only a $7 million dead cap hit.
With this in mind, it seems possible we'll see the last of the expensive veteran tackle at the end of this season. The only way that this could change is if Taylor can drastically alter his results and help the Chiefs go on another Super Bowl run.
Otherwise, Kansas City should cut the tackle and move forward with Simmons and Moore as the starting options. Not only is this far more affordable, but it takes away a consistent source of frustration due to the far too frequent self-inflicted mistakes that Taylor has made since joining the starting lineup.
Sunday's loss should signal a sense of urgency and a willingness to move away from veteran pieces that aren't working. Taylor is at the top of this list and should consider himself to be on thin ice. This is not only moving into the 2026 season, either. Unless there is a distinct change out of Taylor, Kansas City would be best served by benching him for Moore if the results don't improve in Week 12.