As the Kansas City Chiefs kick off their mandatory minicamp, early evaluations of offseason decisions are already casting a shadow-none more so than the signing of offensive tackle Jaylon Moore.
Expected to be a significant contributor when he joined on a two-year, $30 million deal, Moore now finds himself in the background of a rapidly evolving offensive line picture.
The Chiefs‘ offensive line appears mostly set, with first-round pick Josh Simmons projected to start at left tackle-provided he’s healthy.
Coaches have been impressed by Simmons’ swift recovery from a prior knee issue, with head coach Andy Reid praising his work during drills. This surprise emergence has shifted the team’s plans, pushing Moore-who was signed before the draft-into what seems to be a backup role.
Big contract, small role?
Moore’s contract makes him one of the top earners on the roster in 2025, carrying the sixth-largest cap hit. He’ll earn more than All-Pro center Creed Humphrey and nearly twice what linebacker Nick Bolton is set to make.
The move might have made sense at the time-Kansas City needed insurance on the line after a 2024 season that saw them rotate through four different left tackles. But hindsight reveals a different picture.
The Chiefs likely didn’t anticipate Simmons being available with the 32nd overall pick. Once they saw the opportunity, they seized it-and rightfully so. Simmons was widely praised as a first-round talent and has shown signs he can immediately contribute. That development makes Moore’s $15 million-per-year average salary a costly luxury.
It’s not that Moore has performed poorly. He graded 25th out of 140 qualified tackles by Pro Football Focus last season, a respectable rank. However, that level of play doesn’t necessarily justify the investment-especially if he doesn’t crack the starting lineup.
With Jawaan Taylor locked in on the right side and a battle ongoing at left guard, Moore’s pathway to starting has narrowed significantly.
Some fans have even argued that Kansas City would’ve been better served extending veteran guard Joe Thuney instead of signing Moore. A stable, familiar presence like Thuney may have offered more continuity-and value-for the same price.
Of course, the situation could evolve. Moore might push Taylor for the starting right tackle job during training camp. But as it stands, the early return on the Chiefs’ investment in Moore looks questionable. In a tight cap environment, paying top dollar for depth might cost Kansas City in more critical areas down the road.
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