Jawaan Taylor on contract restructuring and KC management’s commitment to continue attracting talent

After a disappointing first season with the Kansas City Chiefs, right tackle Jawaan Taylor has put up plenty of effort for KC in the first half of his 2024 campaign. On October 25, Taylor made news by restructuring his contract as the Chiefs created salary cap space to make room for newly acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

With the restructuring, the Chiefs were also able to trade for New England Patriots pass rusher Joshua Uche while still maintaining some functional room to maneuver another roster throughout the rest of the season.

Taylor’s restructuring reportedly brought in $5.3 million in 2024 as KC prorated that portion of his salary toward his signing bonus, spreading out an annual $1.325 million over the next five years, according to Spotrac.

Taylor spoke to the media on Saturday and was asked how his conversation with the team went when he was approached about the restructuring and why he agreed to adjust the deal.

“I’m a team person, so I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win or get better,” Taylor said. “So it wasn’t really a big conversation, I just had to make it happen and when it was presented to me it wasn’t even a thought. I just wanted to help the team.”

It’s worth noting that Taylor did not lose any money as a result of the adjustment. In fact, by converting the salary into a signing bonus, Taylor received a little extra money earlier than originally planned to put it in the bank, giving KC the flexibility to adjust the books and extend that limit into the future, essentially winning the game. – win for both sides.

With this newfound cap space, the Chiefs acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and offensive tackle Joshua Uche to bolster the team on both sides of the ball. Taylor was asked what it’s like to be a member of a team that continues to add weapons despite already being a proven Super Bowl contender.

“It means a lot,” Taylor said. “You know, we always want the opportunity to get better and help the team in any way we can, we’ve had a couple guys go down with injuries and stuff like that, so I think the guys we brought in will definitely help us. outside.”

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