qq A Pro Bowl–caliber tight end, long considered an offensive cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs, has reportedly quietly requested to leave the team following a sharp decline in form as the 2025 season came to a close.

A turbulent season in Kansas City has left more than just a disappointing 6-11 record for the Chiefs. Behind the scenes, significant shifts are taking place, and one player once viewed as a cornerstone of the offense is now quietly preparing for a future that may no longer include the Chiefs.

Sources indicate that Jawaan Taylor, a right tackle who signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Kansas City in 2023, has begun considering his options after a steep decline in his performance during the 2025 season.

Expected to Be a Mainstay, Taylor’s Decline Becomes Obvious

Coming into the 2025 season, Taylor was expected to be a solid and reliable piece of the Chiefs’ offensive line, especially after two stable years in 2023 and 2024. With a high cap hit of $27.3 million in 2025, he was viewed as an essential part of the line tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes, one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league. In the preseason and early part of the 2025 season, Taylor was lauded for his pass protection and run blocking skills, earning praise for his ability to keep Mahomes upright.

However, the 2025 season took a dramatic turn for Taylor. A combination of elbow and triceps injuries forced him to miss five games, and when he was on the field, his performance failed to meet expectations. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade dropped to a dismal 53.3, ranking him 80th out of 89 qualified tackles in the league.

Underperformance and Financial Concerns

Taylor’s struggles on the field were significant. In his 12 games, he allowed 20 pressures, including 12 hurries, five quarterback hits, and three sacks. His run blocking was equally disappointing, with his PFF ranking placing him 88th out of 89 tackles in that category. Adding to his woes, Taylor accumulated 13 penalties, the most in the league for tackles, despite playing fewer games than most.

Given his underwhelming performance and high cap hit, Taylor has been labeled by some as the “most overpaid player” on the Chiefs roster and was even referred to as someone who “robbed the team blind.” With many questioning whether the Chiefs should cut or release him, the future of Taylor with the team has become increasingly uncertain.

The Chiefs’ Financial and Strategic Dilemma

The Chiefs are in a tough position financially, especially with Taylor’s cap hit for 2025. Despite his high salary, his performance in 2025 did not justify the investment, and his injuries contributed to the overall decline of the offensive line, which played a part in the Chiefs’ disappointing record.

Given that Taylor is no longer viewed as a foundational player, the team is likely to explore trade or release options during the 2026 offseason if there’s no significant improvement in his performance. As a player with over six years of service time and no longer considered a rookie, Taylor is now in the position where he must prove he can bounce back or risk being let go.

A Quiet Search for a New Beginning

Sources close to Taylor have described his desire for a fresh start, not driven by emotion but by a professional need to find a place where he can re-establish himself as a top-tier offensive tackle. With his age (26) still on his side, Taylor has the potential to return to his previous form with the right opportunity. However, his durability and performance concerns have raised questions about his future, both with the Chiefs and around the league.

For the Chiefs, it’s clear that the evaluation process has begun. If Taylor cannot rebound from his 2025 struggles, they may have no choice but to part ways with the highly paid tackle, freeing up financial space to invest in a younger, more productive player.

A Defining Moment for Taylor’s Career

For Jawaan Taylor, the path once envisioned as a long-term fixture on the Chiefs’ offensive line may now be approaching a pivotal crossroads. Whether he stays in Kansas City or moves on to another team, Taylor’s future will depend on his ability to prove that he can overcome his injuries and regain his form as one of the league’s top tackles.

As the 2026 offseason nears, Taylor’s next move will be closely watched, with his career hanging in the balance. The next chapter for Taylor, whether in Kansas City or elsewhere, will be defined by his ability to recover from his setbacks and once again play at a high level.