Chiefs new $80M tackle named among ‘riskiest’ free agent signings

The last time the Kansas City Chiefs took a risk and converted a natural right tackle to left, it worked out perfectly for all involved.

And while K.C. is likely hoping to have the same luck with prized free agent signing Jawaan Taylor, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra believes the $80M gamble is one that has the potential to blow up in Kansas City’s face.

“The Chiefs couldn’t agree to terms with Orlando Brown on a long-term contract, so they switched gears and added Taylor on a massive deal that includes $60M guaranteed,” Patra wrote. 

“That’s a big-money gamble. The more significant risk comes in moving Taylor from right tackle, where he’s played his entire pro career, to the blind side. …Yes, the Chiefs had a former RT in Brown move permanently to the left side. But he had started 11 games at LT for Baltimore in 2020 before he joined K.C. Taylor is a good player and has the athleticism to possibly make a solid transition.”