Chiefs Try $30 Million Vet at New Position in Unexpected Camp Move

Just when it looked like the Kansas City Chiefs’ left guard job would be handed to second-year draft pick Kingsley Suamataia, head coach Andy Reid unveiled an unexpected training camp maneuver to keep everyone on their toes, trying out $30 million free agent signing Jaylon Moore on the interior.

“An update on the Chiefs’ offensive line based upon the first week or so here,” Arrowhead Pride beat reporter Pete Sweeney relayed on July 29. “LT Josh Simmons, C Creed Humphrey and RG Trey Smith have taken every first-team rep at their respective spots. While RT Jawaan Taylor was on PUP, Jaylon Moore took every rep there. Now that Taylor has returned, we’ve seen Moore rotate with Taylor at RT and Kingsley Suamataia at LG.”

The Chiefs have loaded up on offensive tackles in recent years, signing Taylor to an $80 million contract in 2023 before spending draft picks on Wanya Morris, Suamataia (converted to guard), and Simmons, not to mention the Moore signing.

But now that it seems like they’ve finally found their new franchise left tackle in Simmons, why not shift the major starting competition to left guard? After all, Suamataia and Moore would both be in the same boat, moving inside from tackle to guard, so it’d make for a fair training camp battle if the Chiefs feel Taylor is still their guy on the right-hand side.

At the end of the day, Reid understands that the best offensive line is a versatile one. So, Moore’s willingness to learn guard makes Kansas City better, even if Suamataia wins the job.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid Explains Jaylon Moore Position Change at Training Camp

Reid did speak with reporters after practice on July 29, and he was asked if Moore is a “legit candidate” to start at guard.

“Yeah, he’s working at all three of those spots,” Reid responded on Tuesday, referring to left tackle, right tackle and left guard. He added that Moore can really play “both guard [spots],” too, giving him a potential fourth position that he could play.

“We’re just working him in because we need everybody,” the Chiefs head coach said with a chuckle.

Later, after a follow-up on Moore, Reid noted that Moore is a “good football player,” and that KC only has “five spots” on the offensive line to work with.

“You’ve got to try to move people around and make sure they can do everything,” he concluded.

Andy Reid Says Kingsley Suamataia Has ‘Looked Solid’ at Guard

As for Suamataia, Moore’s move inside doesn’t seem to be any sort of indictment on his progress learning the new position.

“He’s done a nice job,” Reid said of Suamataia in pads. “Really battled in there. Looked solid. Really like what we see.”

Some around the Chiefs community have highlighted Suamataia for his training camp showing at left guard so far.

Arrowhead Addict contributor Christian Ainsworth was very complimentary of the second-year pro on July 29, stating: “Crown Kingsley for his performance this camp! Dude has been an absolute stud. Here he is holding his own against [Charles] Omenihu. Great hands and feet early in the rep, just loses it about 3 seconds in. Still some to work on, but definitely not a bust.”

On July 26, A-to-Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman also noted that “I think Chiefs fans will be pleasantly surprised with Suamataia at left guard in Year 2,” based on how he’s performed at practices.

It’ll be interesting to see how this all shakes out on the offensive line.