Chiefs Free Up $35 Million in Cap Space With Three Cuts
There’s no sugarcoating it: the Kansas City Chiefs will face tough roster decisions in 2026, as the team needs to clear over $58 million in cap space before the new league year begins in March. GM Brett Veach can restructure some long-term contracts, but moving on from one or two big-name veterans may also be necessary. Three players stand out as the most obvious cut candidates:
1. RT Jawaan Taylor – Most Likely Cut Candidate
Right tackle Taylor is the most obvious cut candidate heading into 2026. If he does not agree to a pay reduction, releasing him could save the Chiefs $20 million, with a dead cap hit of approximately $7.392 million. While Taylor has been a solid starter, he has faced multiple penalties and has not lived up to the $80 million contract he signed. With rookie Josh Simmons taking over LT, Jaylon Moore potentially filling RT, and Esa Pole emerging as a swing tackle, it’s highly likely the Chiefs will move on from Taylor.
2. DE Mike Danna – Surprise but Plausible Cut
Defensive end Mike Danna, a favorite of DC Steve Spagnuolo, contributes beyond what shows up on stat sheets, but his contract makes him a candidate for a pre-free agency release. Over the Cap projects $8.94 million in cap savings if Danna is cut or traded, compared with just $2.167 million in dead cap. Danna had a career-low 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss in 2025 over 15 games. While restructuring his contract is possible, cutting him remains an option the front office must consider.
3. LB Drue Tranquill – Logical Cut Based on Age and Cap Space
Linebacker True Tranquill, who received a contract extension in 2024 after a strong 2023 season, has become a “luxury” the Chiefs can no longer afford. At 31 years old, the team is looking to get younger at linebacker. Cutting Tranquill would save $6 million, with a minor dead cap of $1.5 million. This move makes financial and strategic sense for roster flexibility.
Adding up the three potential cuts, the Chiefs could free nearly $35 million in cap space. Combined with a few contract restructures, this would allow KC to clear their current $58 million-plus cap space deficit ahead of free agency.
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