The Kansas City Chiefs put an end to years of frustrations with Jawaan Taylor releasing the tackle and opening the door for Jaylon Moore to start. It seems that Taylor's consistent penalties wore on Kansas City to the point that they were no longer able to continue to pay the veteran starter at a high level. For Moore, this is a clear endorsement as well as points to how much Kansas City has hinged on Moore in the 2026 season.
If the tackle were to struggle, there is a clear lack of answers at the position, with Esa Pole being the obvious second option, a player with very little experience. Moore has little more experience with the tackle, having only 18 starts in his career. Last season, Moore played in 15 games and made six starts playing primarily as a left tackle.
Moore has previously been a left tackle and is now making an underrated switch that must be factored in. Looking at how Moore is going to hold up switching positions, as well as whether or not the veteran's body will hold up to the punishment of starting a full season, are both very legitimate questions.
Chiefs have a lot leaning on Jaylon Moore ahead of 2026 season
Second-year tackle Josh Simmons is expected to be the team's primary left tackle option, leaving Moore as the team's primary option on the opposite side. In 427 snaps played, Moore allowed a trio of sacks, but he did excel when it came to playing clean off the edge, not being called for a single penalty in the 2025 season.
This is a huge accomplishment that cannot be overlooked, and yet there is no denying how much is riding on the upcoming season for both Moore and the Chiefs. With Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL, there is every reason to believe the franchise is going to put the quarterback's protection above all else. This means a short leash for Moore and that the season could quickly roll in the wrong direction if things don't fall in Kansas City's direction.
Kansas City needs Moore to prove that he is capable not only based on the team's current options but also an $18.6 million cap hit that has the tackle being paid as a top option. No question, Moore has a lot riding on the upcoming season with the Chiefs needing proof that the offseason trust they have shown was founded and not a mistake, setting the team up for failure.
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