Keith Taylor has carved out a niche as a reliable cornerback in the NFL, balancing raw physical tools with steady on-field growth. After entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2021, Taylor has evolved into a rotational defender for the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing to their Super Bowl LVIII victory.
This article breaks down his personal life, career journey, financial standing, and statistics.
Keith Taylor’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Keith Taylor |
| Born | November 20, 1998 (Age 26 as of 2025) |
| Hometown | Long Beach, California |
| College | University of Washington |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’2” |
| Weight | 187 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2021 (Drafted by Carolina Panthers, Round 5, Pick 166) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5–$2 million |
| Salary | $985,000 |
| Relationship Status | Single (No public information about spouse or children) |
| Not publicly available |
Early Career
Keith Taylor began his NFL career after being selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.78 million, quickly earning playing time as a rotational cornerback.
During his first two seasons with the Panthers (2021-2022), Taylor appeared in all 34 games, starting five, and recorded 66 total tackles with one forced fumble. After being waived in August 2023, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad and contributed to their Super Bowl LVIII championship run.
Despite initial practice squad stints, Taylor’s perseverance led to multiple promotions to the active roster during the 2024 season, demonstrating his development as a 6’2″ defensive back with special teams versatility.
His early career trajectory showcases a progression from mid-round draft pick to valuable depth player on a championship team.
Professional Career
Keith Taylor entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick (166th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in 2021, signing a four-year, $3.78 million contract with a $305,988 signing bonus.
During his tenure with the Panthers (2021-2022), the 6’3″ cornerback appeared in all 34 games (starting five), recording 67 combined tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble while primarily contributing as a rotational defender.
After being waived in August 2023, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, earning a Super Bowl LVIII championship ring during their playoff run before signing a reserve/future contract in February 2024.
The 2024 season saw Taylor promoted multiple times from the practice squad to the active roster, appearing in 11 games with five tackles while demonstrating versatility in zone coverage and special teams.
As of February 2025, his career earnings total $2,696,430, with Madden NFL 25 rating him 66 overall – particularly noting his 89 speed and 91 acceleration – reflecting his progression from developmental prospect to valuable depth contributor on a championship team.
Keith Taylor’s Net Worth Details
Keith Taylor’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5–$2 million as of 2025.
Contract
Keith Taylor is currently under a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2024 NFL season, valued at $985,000. This contract includes no signing bonus or guaranteed money, with an average annual salary of $985,000.
He will become a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2025, giving the Chiefs the first opportunity to retain him. Over his career, Taylor has earned approximately $2.7 million, including his rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers and subsequent agreements with the Chiefs.
Salary
As of 2025, Keith Taylor is playing under a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a base salary of $985,000. His total career earnings amount to approximately $2.7 million, including his rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers and subsequent deals. His current contract does not include guaranteed money or signing bonuses.
Salary Breakdown
- 2021 (Panthers): $965,988 (including $305,988 signing bonus)
- 2022 (Panthers): $825,000
- 2023 (Chiefs): $216,000
- 2024 (Chiefs): $985,000
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
| 2021 | Carolina Panthers | $965,988 |
| 2022 | Carolina Panthers | $825,000 |
| 2023 | Kansas City Chiefs | $216,000 |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | $601,942 |
| Total | $2,608,930 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played (GP) | Games Started (GS) | Total Tackles (TOT) | Solo Tackles (SOLO) | Assisted Tackles (AST) | Pass Deflections (PD) | Forced Fumbles (FF) | Interceptions (INT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Carolina Panthers | 17 | 3 | 38 | 31 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | Carolina Panthers | 17 | 2 | 29 | 24 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | 11 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 45 | 5 | 72 | 58 | 14 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
FAQs
1. Who is Keith Taylor?
Keith Taylor is an American professional football cornerback currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. Born on November 20, 1998, in Long Beach, California, he played college football at the University of Washington before being drafted in the fifth round by the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
2. What are Keith Taylor’s career stats in the NFL?
Keith Taylor has played 45 games with 72 total tackles, 58 solo tackles, six pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He spent his first two seasons with the Panthers before joining the Chiefs in 2024.
3. What is Keith Taylor’s college football background?
Keith Taylor played college football at the University of Washington from 2017 to 2020. He started all games in his junior and senior years, earning recognition for his defensive skills. In 2020, he was a team captain and won the Husky Excellence Award.
4. When was Keith Taylor drafted into the NFL?
Keith Taylor was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers as the 166th overall pick. He became one of several defensive backs from Washington to be drafted into the NFL.
5. What is Keith Taylor’s playing style as a cornerback?
Keith Taylor is known for his size (6’3″), versatility, and ability to play both outside and slot cornerback positions. He excels in man coverage with good recovery speed and ball skills but has been noted for occasional tackling inconsistencies.
6. What is Keith Taylor’s current contract with the Kansas City Chiefs?
In 2024, Keith Taylor signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs worth $985,000. He is set to become a restricted free agent in 2025.
7. What are Keith Taylor’s notable achievements in his NFL career?
Keith Taylor has contributed as a rotational player and special teams member throughout his career. In 2021, he forced a fumble and had three pass deflections as a rookie with Carolina. In 2024, he joined Kansas City’s active roster mid-season to strengthen their defense.
8. Why did Keith Taylor leave the Carolina Panthers?
Keith Taylor was waived by the Panthers in August 2023 after playing two seasons with them. He later joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad before being promoted to their active roster during the 2024 season.
9. What are Keith Taylor’s physical attributes?
Keith Taylor stands at 6’3″ and weighs approximately 195 pounds. His height and length make him well-suited for matching up against taller receivers in coverage.
10. How has Keith Taylor performed in Madden NFL ratings?
In Madden NFL 25 (2024 edition), Keith Taylor has an overall rating of 66. His strengths include speed (89), acceleration (91), and agility (88), reflecting his athleticism as a cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs.
