Kansas City, MO – May 12, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs set out to strengthen their roster this offseason, aiming to reclaim the Super Bowl title after a 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. However, one of their key free-agent signings has left analysts puzzled.
While other teams made high-profile moves, the Chiefs took a more cautious approach, signing a few free agents and re-signing core players like Nick Bolton and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Yet, ESPN’s Adam Teicher recently highlighted the signing of left tackle Jaylon Moore as one of the most perplexing decisions of the Chiefs’ 2025 offseason.
“Moore is a reliable backup, but this deal feels like an overpay for a team in dire need of a true starting left tackle,” Teicher wrote. “He’s never been a standout, and the Chiefs could have pursued a more proven name with that money.”
Moore, 27, inked a two-year, $30 million contract on March 11, with an average annual value of $15 million. Previously with the San Francisco 49ers, Moore started just 12 games over four seasons, including five starts in 2024. His $15 million cap hit in 2025 has sparked debate, given his limited experience as a starter at such a critical position.
The former 49ers draft pick has appeared in 55 career games, mostly as a reserve. Despite his solid frame (6’4”, 311 lbs), Moore has never been viewed as a top-tier option at left tackle. This raises concerns about his ability to meet the Chiefs’ expectations, especially after their offensive line struggled to protect Patrick Mahomes in last year’s Super Bowl loss.
Led by Patrick Mahomes’ 4,830-yard performance in 2024, the Chiefs urgently need a dependable left tackle following the trade of Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears. Previous options like Kingsley Suamataia and Wanya Morris failed to solidify the position, exposing a glaring weakness. Moore is expected to take on a starting role but will compete with Suamataia and Morris, both of whom remain under contract.
“We believe in Moore’s potential,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach told reporters. “He’s a professional, and we’re confident he can grow in our system.”
With limited cap space—roughly $12 million remaining after restructuring the contracts of Mahomes and Chris Jones—the Chiefs have few options to add more high-quality talent. While Moore may still contribute, the steep price tag for an unproven starter at left tackle makes this signing a questionable move for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
