The Kansas City Chiefs have faced significant scrutiny for their offseason decision to sign offensive tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract. With only 12 career starts in four seasons, Moore’s lack of experience has raised doubts about his ability to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
Critics have highlighted Moore’s underwhelming pass-blocking metrics, which ranked among the league’s lowest. Analysts argue that Kansas City took an unnecessary gamble, especially given the importance of the left tackle position in safeguarding their franchise quarterback. Despite the team’s confidence in Moore’s potential, his limited track record leaves many unconvinced.
Kansas City’s front office defended the signing, pointing to Moore’s athleticism and his time spent learning behind All-Pro Trent Williams in San Francisco. General Manager Brett Veach expressed optimism, emphasizing Moore’s pre-draft evaluations and his solid performances in limited opportunities. However, the move was still labeled one of the NFL offseason’s worst by several outlets, including Bleacher Report.
Adding to the controversy, Kansas City used its first-round draft pick on another offensive tackle, Josh Simmons, signaling lingering concerns about Moore’s readiness. This dual investment underscores the high stakes of solidifying the offensive line after Mahomes endured significant pressure in Super Bowl LIX. Kansas City cannot afford another misstep in this critical area.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Jaylon Moore Signing Named One of the Worst NFL Offseason Moves
Kansas City’s decision to sign Jaylon Moore was recently named one of the worst moves this offseason. This is detailed more in an analysis by Gary Davenport for Bleacher Report.
However, ESPN’s Seth Walder isn’t so sure.
“There are spots in roster-building where taking risks makes sense,” he wrote. “Patrick Mahomes’ left tackle is not one of them. Moore is somewhat of an unknown, but what we do know isn’t pretty. His 83% career pass block win rate would have ranked 63rd out of 67 tackle qualifiers last season.”
Even the Chiefs appear to have their doubts—Kansas City used their first pick in this year’s draft on another tackle in Ohio State’s Josh Simmons.
The decision also draws parallels to past failed signings of unproven tackles by other teams, further amplifying skepticism. Observers believe the Chiefs may have overpaid for a player with uncertain upside, prioritizing potential over proven reliability.
As the season approaches, Moore’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. For the Chiefs, this signing represents both a calculated risk and an opportunity to prove doubters wrong, with the hopes that their gamble will pay off in protecting their most valuable asset.
