In a move some doubted, the Kansas City Chiefs have informed starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released at the start of the new league year. So, who is in line to replace Taylor this season?
As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs intend to release starting tackle Jawaan Taylor. As a free agent three years ago, Taylor was widely considered the best right tackle to hit the market in some time. However, in Kansas City, he struggled with penalties and injuries, and the team felt they could find a less expensive replacement.
The question remains, can they find one better than Taylor when he wasn’t making mistakes? Still, this move saves the Chiefs $20 Million in cap space. Kansas City is now on the positive side of the ledger with roughly $15 Million in cap space. That means with the start of free agency set to begin one week from today, could make a bigger splash than expected.
Honestly, Taylor was a gifted right tackle, but his lack of focus at times cost the Chiefs big plays, first downs, and consistency at a position of high importance.
Looking ahead, it would appear Jaylon Moore and Esa Pole will compete for the right tackle job this season. Now it’s also possible the Chiefs could select a tackle in the first round. If Utah Tackle Spencer Fann falls to the ninth pick, that might be a hard player for Veach to pass on.
This is why Kansas City needed to cut Taylor to create much-needed cap space and maneuverability with the league year starting next week.
