The Kansas City Chiefs spent big on offensive tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, but the former 49er may not even suit up as a bookend for the reigning AFC champions. A fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore spent most of his career as a backup but looked servicable when injuries forced him onto the field. Adequate play would be a considerable upgrade for Kansas City, as the team shuffled through four left tackles in 2024.
However, rookie first-round pick Josh Simmons appears to be running away with the left tackle job. While it’s only training camp, early practice reports indicate Simmons will almost certainly be the Week 1 starter and, if everything pans out, could lock down the position for years to come. This leaves Jaylon Moore without a spot on the Chiefs offensive line, and $30 million is a lot to pay for a backup offensive lineman.
Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Jaylon Moore (right) blocks Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht (97) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Chiefs Playing Jaylon Moore At Guard
According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, Jaylon Moore has received reps at the vacant left guard position. Long held down by superstar Joe Thuney, the team traded the four-time Super Bowl champion to free up money for fellow star Trey Smith. Now, Moore and fellow tackle convert Kingsley Suamataia are reportedly competing for the same position.
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Suamataia began his career at left tackle but had a rookie season to forget. While he lacks the athleticism to play tackle at the professional level, Kansas City hopes he can be their long-term answer at the less-demanding guard position.
Jaylon Moore has never played guard in his professional career, while Suamataia lined up at the position for 31 snaps as a rookie.
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