Florida Gators alumnus Jawaan Taylor is eyeing a bounce-back campaign with the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. The Kansas City Chiefs did not extend the 2019 second-round selection, paving the way for him to seek a new team in free agency.
Taylor signed with the Falcons back in April after three seasons in Kansas City. New head coach Kevin Stefanski gains an experienced option on the offensive line following Kaleb McGary’s retirement. The 2018 Second-Team All-SEC selection has started every NFL game he’s appeared in.
Taylor had a disappointing 2025 campaign, as inconsistent play marred his performance with the Chiefs. According to Pro Football Focus, Taylor finished with a 53.3 overall grade — a rank that places him No. 80 among qualified offensive tackles; his 67.3 pass-blocking grade highlights the strength of his game.
The Falcons have one of the league’s most promising young skill position groups, putting a magnifying glass on Taylor’s performance at right tackle. If the Super Bowl LVIII champion can regain form next season, it may come along with a career resurgence.
The Falcons signed Taylor for just one year at $5 million. The short-term deal gives the Cocoa, Florida, native an opportunity to cash in on a long-term contract if all things fall into place.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Florida OT Jawaan Taylor looking for fresh star with Falcons
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
