49ers backup LT Jaylon Moore has been fantastic in limited snaps, giving the Chiefs an option in free agency
Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Chiefs’ left tackle situation is one of the biggest storylines to watch this offseason and one unheralded player might be the best option yet.
49ers backup LT Jaylon Moore has shined when given the opportunity this year, starting four games as All-Pro Trent Williams dealt with an injury. The latter is expected to miss the rest of the year, so Moore will remain the starter for San Francisco’s final three games.
Since Williams is under contract for two more seasons and Moore is a free agent, Kansas City has the perfect opportunity to swoop in and secure a legitimate left tackle of the future.
Chiefs Should Sign 49ers LT Jaylon Moore in Offseason
49ers LT Jaylon Moore has allowed 8 pressures over 136 pass-blocking reps, good for a pass-blocking efficiency rank of #26 out of 63 qualifying tackles, while filling in for Trent Williams.
The finish to this season is a big money-making opportunity for Moore, a pending FA
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) December 19, 2024
Originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, Moore is listed as a guard but transitioned to tackle, showcasing the kind of versatility that Andy Reid covets in offensive linemen.
He’s played 238 snaps entering Week 16, ranking as the 17th-best tackle (out of 132) in all of the NFL at Pro Football Focus. Having not surrendered a single sack and not called for a single penalty thus far, Moore has displayed strong technique.
Still only 26 years old with ideal size at six-foot-four and 311 pounds, Moore deserves the opportunity to start somewhere in this league. The Chiefs clearly don’t believe Kingsley Suamataia or Wanya Morris are ready and while D.J. Humphries is returning soon from injury, he doesn’t represent the potential upside that Moore does.
It's a bummer Jaylon Moore isn't comfortable playing right tackle, because he's filled in very well for Trent Williams at LT.
Here's a look at his numbers, per PFF:
Overall PFF: 77.9 (17th/132 OT)
Pass blocking: 78.5 (24th)
Run blocking: 71.3 (31st)
Penalties: 0 (1st)
Sacks… pic.twitter.com/3pkluSrRvl— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) December 19, 2024
Assuming Moore’s production doesn’t fall off of a cliff in these final three games, he deserves a contract elsewhere. The 49ers are set at left tackle for the foreseeable future. The Chiefs, on the other hand, have massive questions to answer.
This offseason is a pivotal turning point for Kansas City with players like Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, Charles Omenihu, Justin Reid and more up for contract extensions. Finding a productive left tackle at a discount is a priority and exactly why they drafted Suamataia in the second round in the first place.
Early returns on that selection are disastrous, though the Chiefs could right the ship by poaching a guy like Moore from an NFC rival. In this case, perhaps all Moore ever needed was a chance.
