The Kansas City Chiefs have some work to do to get under the salary cap next year. On Friday, the NFL announced that the cap is expected to grow by over $20 million, to just over $303 million — even so, the Chiefs are estimated to need to cut almost $60 million in cap spending to be cap compliant in 2026.
Much of that money is tied up in star Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes‘ massive contract. A basic restructure could clear as much as $45 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap’s projections. That move is practically a guarantee, as Mahomes obviously isn’t going anywhere. After that, attention could turn to DT Chris Jones‘ contract, but more likely, the Chiefs will be looking at their offensive line.
Kansas City RT Jawaan Taylor, a big-ticket free-agent signing in 2023, is entering the final season of his four-year, $80 million deal. He’s largely been fine since joining the Chiefs, though far from the stalwart many expected him to be when he signed. Currently, he carries a $27.4 million cap hit next season, but $20 million of that can be saved by cutting him, creating a $7.4 million dead cap hit.
Where Could the Kansas City Chiefs Turn on Their Offensive Line if They Cut RT Jawaan Taylor?
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 27: Jawaan Taylor #74, Patrick Mahomes #15 and Mike Caliendo #66 of the Kansas City Chiefs stand at the line during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Chiefs 31-28. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
On Sunday, the Kansas City Star discussed the Chiefs’ options if they decide to move on from Taylor — a move considered highly likely, especially since Taylor himself wrote something of a goodbye post to the city and team on Instagram after the season.
One free agency move the Chiefs made last year that flew a little under the radar was signing former 49ers OT Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal. At the time, it was assumed he would start at left tackle, though Kansas City later drafted Ohio State OT Josh Simmons in the first round, and he would go on to win the job in training camp.
Simmons missed time due to a personal absence and an injury, but he played quite well when he was available and will be penciled into the starting left tackle spot moving forward. The interior of the Chiefs’ offensive line is one of the best in the league, with LG Kingsley Suamataia, C Creed Humphrey, and RG Trey Smith forming an impenetrable wall up front.
That just leaves the right tackle spot in question, and Moore is as good a candidate as any to take it. He didn’t play well in limited action in 2025, but that’s a small sample size, and the Chiefs clearly believed in him enough to sign him.
Other Options for the Kansas City Chiefs at Right Tackle
However, Moore carries the sixth-highest cap hit on the team next year, and could be a cap casualty himself, especially considering his subpar play last season. In that case, the Chiefs could look to the free agent markets for a new starter, like they did a few years ago with Taylor, or they could draft another tackle early to pair with Simmons long-term.
The draft option is intriguing, as the Chiefs pick in the top 10 and could have their pick of the top tackle in the entire class, either Utah’s Spencer Fano or Miami’s Francis Mauigoa — both of whom played on the right side in college.
