The domino that Kansas City Chiefs fans were waiting to fall finally did so on Monday with the announcement that the team would be releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor. This move will save the Chiefs $20 million in much-needed cap space.
It'll also pave the way for Jaylon Moore to finally slot in at right tackle and take over as the starter there once and for all, something that was expected when he signed with the team in free agency last year. When Moore initially signed, the thought was that he'd be Kansas City's starting left tackle since he had filled in there for Trent Williams during his time with the 49ers and K.C. didn't have a better option there at the time.
After the draft, however, the Chiefs had landed Josh Simmons late in the first round and he impressed enough to snag the starting left tackle gig from Moore. The former 49er did end up getting a chance to play left tackle for the Chiefs though when Simmons missed time with both a personal matter and an injury, eventually taking 283 snaps at left tackle and 132 at right tackle, per PFF.
Jaylon Moore finally gets his chance to shine after Jawaan Taylor release
Moore signed a two-year deal with the Chiefs last March, so he's locked in for another year and has a chance to really take advantage and secure the bag with a strong performance in 2026. That would obviously benefit K.C. because if he plays well, that means life is easier for Patrick Mahomes whenever he drops back to pass.
It's not a bad spot for the Chiefs to be in, that's for sure. They will still add talent in the draft and potentially free agency as well but, in all likelihood, Moore will have a chance to start at right tackle and prove himself in 2026.
While Taylor didn't play poorly during his time in Kansas City, the high number of penalties and the fact that the team can save money by cutting him meant that it was an obvious decision to make. The hope now is that Moore can slide into the right tackle spot, play well, stay healthy, and not rack up the penalty flags. If he can do that, the Chiefs benefit and Moore has a chance to get another hefty contract this time next year.