Not Daniel Jones, the '20 Fouls' Player Is the Chiefs' Worst Signing

Kansas City, MO – When discussing the Kansas City Chiefs’ roster, the narrative around “bad contracts” often points to high-profile names. Some might speculate about Daniel Jones, now with the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year, $14 million deal, as a potential misstep if he were a Chief. But the real financial albatross for Kansas City is clear: offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor’s four-year, $80 million contract, signed in 2023, stands as the team’s worst deal.

Taylor, a former Jaguars second-round pick, was brought in to solidify the Chiefs’ offensive line, with hopes he’d transition from right to left tackle. His $20 million average annual value (AAV) ranks him among the NFL’s top-paid tackles, but his performance has been anything but elite. In 2023, Taylor led the league in penalties, racking up 20 in 17 games, including a five-penalty meltdown against Jacksonville in Week 2. His 2024 season showed slight improvement, but he still notched 27 penalties over two years, more than his combined regular and postseason starts (26). These flags, often for false starts or holding, have disrupted drives, frustrating fans and coaches alike.

Beyond penalties, Taylor’s play doesn’t justify his price tag. Pro Football Focus graded him at 45.5 for run-blocking in 2023, ranking 55th among tackles, while allowing 47 pass pressures. In 2024, he gave up nine pressures in 199 pass-block snaps, a 4.52% pressure rate—serviceable but far from stellar for a $20 million tackle. His run-blocking remained a liability, with sub-60.0 grades both seasons. Compared to guards like Trey Smith or Joe Thuney, who deliver Pro Bowl-caliber play, Taylor’s output feels like a letdown.

Financially, the Chiefs are stuck. Cutting Taylor before June 1, 2025, would incur a $34.78 million dead cap hit, while a post-June 1 release still costs $27.39 million. Trading him is unlikely—who’d take an overpaid, penalty-prone tackle? A recent restructure freed $5.3 million in 2024 cap space, but it only delayed the pain, adding $2.65 million to his cap hits in 2025 and 2026.

While Taylor, at 27, has youth and a Super Bowl ring from 2023, his contract is a gamble gone wrong. The Chiefs’ front office, led by Brett Veach, rarely misses, but Taylor’s deal is a glaring exception. As Kansas City eyes another title run, they’ll need Taylor to step up—or face tough choices. For more Chiefs news, follow ESPN.com.