Chiefs Trade Jawaan Taylor to Cowboys in Blockbuster Offseason Move

Kansas City, MO / Dallas, TX – On March 20, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys finalized a trade that sends offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor to Dallas in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick, league sources confirmed. The deal, which also sees the Chiefs absorbing $10 million of Taylor’s 2025 dead money, reshapes both teams’ offensive lines while aligning with their respective strategies for the upcoming season.

For the Chiefs, moving Taylor—a right tackle signed to a four-year, $80 million deal in 2023—frees up significant cap space and draft capital as they continue to build around Patrick Mahomes. Taylor’s 2025 cap hit of $27.39 million was a looming burden after the team restructured his contract in October 2024 to accommodate midseason additions like DeAndre Hopkins. By trading him before June 1, the Chiefs save $14.78 million in 2025 cap space (after the $10 million dead cap hit), pushing their available funds to over $65 million (per Over The Cap). This gives GM Brett Veach room to pursue a top wide receiver—like a potential trade for Stefon Diggs—or extend stars like Nick Bolton long-term.

2025 Kansas City Chiefs Collection

The Chiefs also gain flexibility to develop younger tackles like Kingsley Suamataia (2024 second-round pick) or Wanya Morris, who’ve shown promise in limited snaps. “Jawaan was a warrior for us, but this move lets us reset and invest in the future,” head coach Andy Reid said. With Jaylon Moore already signed to bolster the left side, Kansas City can now refine its line while staying Super Bowl-ready.

For the Cowboys, acquiring Taylor fills a glaring hole at right tackle. After losing Tyron Smith to free agency in 2024 and watching Terence Steele struggle (8 sacks allowed, PFF 58.9), Dallas desperately needed a veteran presence to protect Dak Prescott, who was sacked 41 times last season. Taylor, despite his penalty issues (11 in 2024), offers solid pass protection—allowing just 4.52% pressure rate in 2024—and brings Super Bowl experience from Chiefs’ 2023 title run. Paired with left tackle Tyler Smith, he could stabilize a line that’s been a weak link in Dallas’ NFC East campaign.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones called Taylor “a proven winner” who fits their win-now mentality. The cost—a third- and fifth-round pick—is steep but manageable, especially with Dallas sitting at $15 million in cap space after restructurings. The Chiefs’ willingness to eat $10 million of Taylor’s dead money made the deal palatable, lowering his 2025 cap hit to $17.39 million for Dallas.