Jan. 28, 2026, 7:24 p.m. CT

Veteran offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor was one of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ highest-paid players in 2025 despite his inconsistent performance as the team’s starting right tackle.

Should Chiefs general manager Brett Veach look to extend Taylor’s contract during the 2026 offseason?

Here’s a look at Taylor’s current deal:

Jawaan Taylor 2026 salaryKansas City Chiefs' offensive lineman #52 Creed Humphrey and Kansas City Chiefs' tackle #74 Jawaan Taylor help Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback #15 Patrick Mahomes up after he was tackled during Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 9, 2025. (Photo by Chandan Khanna / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

According to Spotrac.com, Taylor will receive a base salary of $19,500,000 in addition to a prorated signing bonus of $4,725,000, a restructure proration of $2,666,667, and a $500,000 workout bonus.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.How much money could K.C. save in 2026 by extending Jawaan Taylor?Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

OverTheCap.com projects that the Chiefs could save $14,960,000 in cap space by extending Taylor’s contract during the 2026 offseason.

Should Brett Veach extend Jawaan Taylor’s contract?ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jawaan Taylor #74 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates the touchdown of JuJu Smith-Schuster #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

While the Chiefs could save nearly $15,000,000 by extending Taylor’s contract for a few years, Veach may want to think twice before keeping the veteran tackle around for another season.

Instead, Kansas City’s front office may choose to move on from Taylor. The Chiefs would clear $20,000,000 in cap space if they release the former Florida Gator during the 2026 offseason.