In the weeks leading up to free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the significant task of getting themselves into better shape financially before the bidding frenzy began. Following the conclusion of Super Bowl LX, the Chiefs were in the worst position of any of the NFL's 32 franchises at approximately $60 million over the league's salary cap of $301.2M.
The most obvious move of all was for the Chiefs to restructure the contract of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which freed up nearly $44M in cap space. But there was plenty of work to be done even after that, which meant general manager Brett Veach was going to have to let go of some players under contract.
Cap relief came at a cost for the Chiefs
While more names were bandied about, Veach ultimately let go of two players before the start of free agency. Defensive end Mike Danna was released in late February, which cleared another $8M in salary cap room. One week later, in early March, Veach cut ties with right tackle Jawaan Taylor and found himself in the black for the first time with another $20M in cap space created.
In the few weeks that have passed since then, it's interesting that of all of the players that have changed teams in the frenzied first wave of free agency (and beyond), both Danna and Taylor are still sitting there for the taking. Both players have championship experience and plenty left in the tank. Both players also play positions of need. Yet each has been left standing when the music stops while others find new homes for the 2026 season.
Danna's ceiling is lower than that of Taylor, although that's not to say he lacks value for interested teams. He's a solid run defender who has played starting reps for championship defenses under Steve Spagnuolo's leadership. He's a coaching favorite and would be a worthwhile addition for any team based on his intangibles alone. He's also proven to be very reliable in his six-year NFL career.
Taylor brings an above-average starting profile to the open market at a premium position. Teams are starved for quality tackles, and Taylor is a plus pass protector who is still only 28 years old. He missed a handful of games in 2025 due to an ankle injury but before that, he was an ironman who'd never missed a single start other than when Andy Reid was resting his roster in a meaningless Week 18 game.
Market realities explain why both veterans remain unsigned
It's possible that teams are suffering a bit of sticker shock, especially in Taylor's case. Spotrac has his market value set at $15M, but the market at tackle has been rather unpredictable this offseason. Former Packers tackle Rasheed Walker was predicted to land a Dan Moore-type of deal at $20M annually but he settled for a one-year, $4M deal with the Carolina Panthers that shocked everyone.
Taylor is also notorious for picking up costly penalties due to off-putting habits that he could never seem to overcome (or was unwilling to do so). His kick-step gets him in trouble again and again, appearing to officials as a pre-snap movement, but seven years later, it still continues. Any team signing Taylor has to accept that as part of the bargain.
As for Danna, Spotrac has his market rate set at just under $5M. Given that former Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa just signed a one-year deal at that amount with the Browns while providing higher pass-rushing upside, it might be a stretch for Danna to receive the same. A lower price point makes more sense, and with a lower ask, Danna is an obvious addition for several teams.
For now, the Chiefs' decision to release two players before free agency started didn't do them any favors. Instead of helping them find new homes before others were free to do so, they're still waiting for the right deal to come along. There's no doubt that both will be employed in 2026 and likely beyond, but it's a bit surprising to see them both still unsigned.