The Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line issues in 2024 were well-documented and ultimately helped lead to the disastrous blowout in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fixing that problem was obviously a top priority for general manager Brett Veach in the offseason, as he not only drafted Ohio State standout left tackle Josh Simmons in the first round but signed San Francisco 49ers swing tackle Jaylon Moore as well.
Acquiring Moore looked like it could be a mistake at one point, but he's gotten work at various spots along the line during training camp as an illustration of his versatility. In a surprising turn of events, Moore's strong performances have led to an interesting conversation about whether or not he should actually start at right tackle ahead of veteran Jawaan Taylor.
Jaylon Moore is once again working as the top-team RT
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 1, 2025
New Chiefs OL Jaylon Moore Challenging Jawaan Taylor for Starting RT Job
As noted by Arrowhead Pride's Pete Sweeney, Moore worked with the top team at Friday's practice. Taylor has dealt with a nagging injury throughout camp, but was active and rotated with Moore, but it's notable that it's even a competition at this point.
Taylor holds the second-largest cap hit on the team in 2025, and while he's been a dependable option at right tackle, he's dramatically overpaid based on his production. He has led the league in penalties since joining Kansas City and ranked just 82nd out of 140 qualified tackles at Pro Football Focus, which is hardly what you want from a guy making over $27 million this year.
The Chiefs have a potential out after the season. Cutting Taylor now would leave a dead cap hit of $34 million but it drops to just over $7 million ahead of the 2026 campaign. It feels like a foregone conclusion that Moore, who is on a two-year deal, will take over at right tackle for Taylor in a year at the latest.
There's also a possibility that Moore earns the starting left guard job over 2024 second-rounder Kingsley Suamataia. That's less likely, and it's probable that Moore will be a backup, ready to take over once an inevitable injury happens. However, head coach Andy Reid is obviously at least considering popping Moore in at right tackle immediately.
It'd hurt to have someone making as much money as Taylor sit on the bench. That said, if it's the best option, it's the best option. Moore will be one of the most interesting players to watch in the coming weeks, and fans wouldn't be upset if he winds up starting in Week 1.