It is easy to imagine Jawaan Taylor being a salary cap casualty this offseason. The potential to move on from him has been at the forefront even before the 2025 season began. With a simple way to get out of his deal, Kansas City can save roughly $20 million against the cap. If that expected move occurs, Taylor still fits as an option in the AFC West.
The Las Vegas Raiders are set to overhaul much of their roster this offseason. They hold the first overall pick and have plenty of salary cap space at their disposal. Overall, the Raiders must beef up certain position groups. That becomes even more paramount if they draft Fernando Mendoza as anticipated.
It is challenging to get the offensive line right for a possible rookie starting quarterback. But in terms of where the Raiders are sitting at the start of the offseason, they are expected to add multiple new blockers. In fact, Ted Nguyen of The Athletic believes Las Vegas needs “at least two new starters.”
Jawaan Taylor is an obvious cap casualty for the Chiefs this offseason, but the OT makes sense for an AFC West rival.
Taylor delivered his share of bumps and bruises while with Kansas City. Penalties were the main drawback. Yet in the end, he arguably had his cleanest season with the Chiefs this past campaign. An injury put an end to that progress.
But even with the weaknesses in his game, Taylor profiles as an upgrade over what the Raiders have at right tackle. DJ Glaze arguably performed the worst of any Raiders blocker last season. Maybe Charles Grant offers opportunity and upside. But can he really be more than a swing tackle or added depth entering his second career season?
If he joined Las Vegas, Taylor would fit into Klint Kubiak’s offense. There are similarities between Taylor and what Kubiak just had in Seattle. Taylor’s bulk, size, and length match what Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas offered in Seattle. You can point to all three blockers being high-waisted in stature as well.
Not only do the Chiefs save $20 million in salary cap space, but they do not endure a massive dead cap hit by cutting Taylor. Teams are showing they are comfortable taking on larger dead cap charges. Most of the starting offensive line spots are set. Can Kansas City get comfortable with its right tackle replacement? Whoever that is, if Taylor is gone, gains a huge opportunity.
On the flip side, the Raiders dive into former Chiefs all the time. Las Vegas will not hesitate to add a former rival if it means it can boost its roster. Out of all the teams where Taylor could land, the Raiders offer immediate slots. The numbers game on Las Vegas’ offensive line stares everyone in the face.