The New York Giants are exploring potential roster enhancements under the guidance of their newly appointed offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy. With a notable connection to the Kansas City Chiefs, it is now speculated that former Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor could be a viable free agency target, given recent insights on his potential release.
Greg Auman, a national reporter for FOX Sports, has identified Taylor as one of the top candidates for cuts in the NFL, noting that the Chiefs’ current salary cap crunch makes parting with the 28-year-old lineman an appealing option. Taylor, who commanded an $80 million deal, recently played in two Super Bowls with Kansas City and is set to earn $20 million in 2026. However, with the Chiefs severely over the cap, shedding this salary could be crucial for the team’s financial flexibility.
Taylor’s tenure in Kansas City has been marred by his track record of penalties, leading the team in accepted infractions throughout his three years. In total, he has accumulated 41 penalties, which has prompted the Chiefs to invest in their offensive line through the draft. This raises the possibility that the Giants, under Nagy, might be interested in Taylor to bolster their own offensive line.
While Taylor’s recent performance was not stellar—he was rated 76th out of 80 tackles by Pro Football Focus—he remains recognized for his capabilities as a pass protector. This is an essential aspect as the Giants aim to protect their quarterback, Jaxson Dart, who is emerging as a franchise player.
Interestingly, the Chiefs have recently created approximately $44 million in cap space by restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract. Still, the team remains in the negative regarding their cap situation, making Taylor’s potential release a consideration as they strive for compliance before the new league year begins.
The decision surrounding the right tackle position for the Giants is complex, as some fans advocate for the re-signing of Jermaine Eluemunor, who has become a beloved figure since joining the team in 2024. Eluemunor is due for a new contract and may seek a financial bump, while the cost of acquiring Taylor after a less than impressive season is uncertain. Given Taylor’s prior earnings with the Chiefs, it’s clear he may no longer command that same level of salary.
As the Giants consider the best path forward, an intriguing dynamic is the potential for players with Chiefs ties to find their way to New York. Besides the potential signing of Taylor, Giants head coach John Harbaugh may look at other former Chiefs players to fill gaps in the roster. Despite mixed perceptions of Nagy’s coaching style, his rapport with players could make the Giants an attractive destination for those looking to reunite with him.
In conclusion, the upcoming decisions on player contracts will be critical for the Giants. Should Taylor become available, he could represent a strategic option, especially if the team opts not to extend Eluemunor’s contract. The interactions between these players and coaching staff could have lasting implications on the Giants’ performance moving forward.