The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor in a salary cap-cutting move that will save the team $20 million, sources told ESPN. The decision comes as the defending Super Bowl champions look to get under the salary cap before the NFL's new league year begins March 11. Taylor, 28, had one year remaining on his four-year, $80 million contract signed in 2023.

Taylor joined the Chiefs as a free agent and helped stabilize the offensive line during Kansas City's Super Bowl championship run, making them the NFL's first repeat champions in 20 years. However, his tenure was marred by penalties, committing 49 (41 accepted) in 45 games, the most of any lineman during that span. The Chiefs have been aggressive in trimming their cap, previously releasing veteran defensive end Mike Danna and restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes' contract.

With Taylor's release, Jaylon Moore is expected to take over as the starting right tackle after signing a two-year, $30 million contract. The move is part of a broader cap strategy as the Chiefs entered the offseason more than $57 million over the cap limit and continue to explore additional moves to create financial flexibility.