The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line was a glaring weak spot in 2024, and nowhere was that more evident than in their crushing Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The blowout exposed critical flaws in the unit, making it crystal clear that fixing the line was job number one for general manager Brett Veach in the offseason. Veach didn’t mess around, drafting Ohio State’s standout left tackle Josh Simmons in the first round and signing versatile San Francisco 49ers swing tackle Jaylon Moore to bolster the trenches.
At first, the Moore signing raised eyebrows—could he really make a difference? But fast forward to training camp, and Moore is turning heads, sparking a heated debate about who should anchor the right side of the line. In a stunning twist, Moore’s standout performances have put veteran Jawaan Taylor’s starting right tackle job in serious jeopardy.
As reported by Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney on August 1, 2025, Moore was running with the first-team offense at right tackle during Friday’s practice. While Taylor, hampered by a nagging injury, rotated in, the fact that Moore is even in the conversation is a shock. Taylor, with the second-highest cap hit on the roster at over $27 million in 2025, has been a reliable but underwhelming presence. His league-leading penalty count and lackluster 82nd ranking among 140 qualified tackles per Pro Football Focus have fans and analysts questioning his value.
Jaylon Moore is once again working as the top-team RT
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 1, 2025
Moore, on the other hand, is proving to be a Swiss Army knife. He’s logged reps at multiple positions across the line, showcasing the kind of versatility that makes coaches salivate. His recent dominance in camp has fueled speculation that he could not only steal Taylor’s right tackle spot but potentially challenge 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia for the starting left guard role. While the latter seems less likely, Moore’s ability to step up as a high-level backup—or even a Week 1 starter—has Chiefs Kingdom buzzing.
The financials make this storyline even juicier. Taylor’s massive contract is a tough pill to swallow for a player whose performance hasn’t matched the paycheck. The Chiefs face a daunting $34 million dead cap hit if they cut him now, but that number drops to a manageable $7 million in 2026. With Moore signed to a budget-friendly two-year deal, it’s hard not to see him as the long-term answer at right tackle, especially if he continues to outshine Taylor in camp.
Head coach Andy Reid is clearly intrigued. While benching a player with Taylor’s salary would sting, Reid’s track record shows he’s not afraid to make tough calls if it means fielding the best possible lineup. Moore’s emergence could force that decision sooner than expected.
As the preseason looms, all eyes will be on Moore. Can he maintain his momentum and lock down a starting role? If he does, it could signal the end of Taylor’s tenure as a starter—and possibly his time in Kansas City altogether. Fans won’t shed tears over a potential upgrade, especially after last year’s offensive line woes. Whether Moore starts at right tackle, competes for left guard, or serves as a super-sub ready to step in, his versatility and hunger make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the coming weeks.