The Kansas City Chiefs are staring down a high-stakes battle that could shake the foundation of their offensive line as they gear up for the 2025 season. After a humbling defeat in Super Bowl LIX, where the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious front seven exposed glaring weaknesses in Kansas City’s protection, the Chiefs have marked their offensive line as a top priority for a major overhaul. With training camp looming, an unexpected three-way competition at both tackle positions has emerged, threatening to reshape the team’s lineup and potentially their championship aspirations.
A New Guard and an Open Race
The Chiefs have already made bold moves to address their line woes. Second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia has stepped into the spotlight, replacing the traded Joe Thuney at guard and earning the role of presumptive starter. However, the real drama is unfolding at the tackle positions, where a fierce competition is brewing between free agent acquisition Jaylon Moore, first-round rookie Josh Simmons, and incumbent right tackle Jawaan Taylor. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, this isn’t just a fight for the left tackle spot—both tackle positions are up for grabs, putting Taylor’s starting role in jeopardy despite his two-year tenure as a mainstay on the Chiefs’ line.
Breer noted, “In April, Moore and Taylor were the team’s presumptive tackles, but given the issues the Chiefs had at the position last year, which forced Joe Thuney to slide outside from guard, Kansas City is set for a real competition at camp.” The Chiefs’ coaching trio of Andy Reid, Matt Nagy, and Andy Heck is leaving no stone unturned, with Breer adding, “If Simmons proves to be one of the two best options, they won’t hesitate to put him out there. There’s too much at stake with Patrick Mahomes under center.”
The Contenders: Moore, Simmons, and Taylor
This three-horse race is anything but predictable. Jawaan Taylor, now in the third year of a hefty four-year, $80 million contract signed in 2023, has been a consistent starter but far from dominant. His 2024 performance was lackluster, ranking a dismal 82nd out of 140 tackles according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). With the Chiefs’ Super Bowl window hinging on protecting their superstar quarterback, Taylor’s underwhelming play has opened the door for challengers.
Enter Jaylon Moore, a free agent signing who brings a spark of promise. In a smaller sample size during the 2024 season, Moore shone with a 74.9 PFF grade, good for 25th among tackles. His performance suggests he could be a significant upgrade over Taylor, offering the Chiefs a reliable option to anchor the line. Meanwhile, rookie Josh Simmons adds an intriguing wildcard to the mix. A former Ohio State standout, Simmons was projected as a potential top-10 draft pick before a knee injury in 2024 derailed his stock. Now, as he works to prove his recovery is complete, Simmons’ versatility—he started 13 games at right tackle in college alongside recent left tackle experience—makes him a legitimate threat to claim either spot.
High Stakes for a Championship Run
The Chiefs’ offensive line struggles in Super Bowl LIX underscored the urgency of this competition. Patrick Mahomes, the heart of Kansas City’s dynasty, needs a fortified line to operate at his best, and the team cannot afford another season of vulnerability up front. The outcome of this battle could dictate whether the Chiefs reclaim their dominance or stumble under pressure.
Simmons’ potential is tantalizing, but his health remains a question mark. If he can return to his pre-injury form, his blend of athleticism and experience on both sides of the line could make him a game-changer. Moore, with his proven 2024 performance, offers stability and upside, while Taylor’s experience gives him an edge, but only if he can elevate his play. The Chiefs’ coaching staff faces a pivotal decision: stick with the known quantity in Taylor, bet on Moore’s recent success, or roll the dice on Simmons’ untapped potential.
What’s Next?
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on this electrifying competition. Chiefs fans, eager for clarity after an offseason of uncertainty, are bracing for a resolution that could define the team’s trajectory. With two of these three players set to emerge as starters, the battle promises to be intense, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Taylor hold onto his spot? Can Moore solidify his case as the superior option? Or will Simmons, the rookie with sky-high potential, steal the show? One thing is certain: the Chiefs’ offensive line is in for a dramatic shakeup, and the outcome could make or break their 2025 season.