Chiefs Give Jaylon Moore Guard Reps as Taylor Recovers

The Kansas City Chiefs are making changes to their offensive line this offseason, especially on the left side. After struggling with stability at left tackle last year — even using Joe Thuney at the position during the Super Bowl — the team has added two new options and moved Thuney to the Chicago Bears in a trade. Kansas City signed former 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal and drafted Josh Simmons in the first round. This was the Chiefs’ first first-round offensive line pick since 2013, when they selected Eric Fisher first overall. Fisher’s departure in 2020 left a void that the team has struggled to fill, but Simmons looks like the favorite to take over.

Simmons entered the offseason with questions after suffering a patellar tendon tear in college, which hurt his draft stock, along with some character concerns. Still, he is now taking regular first-team reps at left tackle and is expected to start the season there.

Moore Working at Guard in Camp

With Simmons locked in at LT, Moore’s role is uncertain. Paying him $15 million per year as a backup would be costly, but Kansas City is trying to find ways to use him. According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, the Chiefs are testing Moore at left guard during camp.

Before this shift, Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia were competing for the left guard spot. Suamataia, a second-round pick in 2024, moved inside after struggling as a rookie left tackle last season. Now, Moore and Suamataia appear to be the top contenders for the job.

This is a new challenge for both players. Moore has played 827 career snaps, all at tackle, while Suamataia only logged 31 snaps at guard last year.

Jawaan Taylor Recovering from Knee Surgery

Meanwhile, starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery. Taylor revealed he played through a partially torn meniscus last season, an injury suffered in Week 5. He did not miss any games but chose surgery after the season ended.

Taylor began training camp on the active/PUP list, which allowed Moore to take some reps at right tackle. Taylor, who signed a four-year, $80 million deal in 2023, is guaranteed $19.5 million this season. However, he could be cut in 2026 with only a small dead-money hit.

Despite inconsistency and penalty issues, Taylor is expected to keep the starting right tackle job once healthy. Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 61 among tackles last season.

What’s Next for Kansas City’s O-Line?

The Chiefs could eventually field a lineup with Simmons at LT and Moore at RT if they move on from Taylor in the future. For now, the team plans to stick with Taylor on the right side and find a role for Moore, whether as a starting guard or a swing tackle.