The right tackle position in Kansas City has long been a revolving door, never quite as chaotic as the left tackle spot in the post-Terry McLendon era but still unsettled. Over recent years, names like Andrew Wylie, Lucas Niang, and Jawaan Taylor have come and gone, with the right tackle job being a position of ongoing evaluation. Last season, the Chiefs relied on a patchwork of rotating players, none of whom firmly claimed the role.
Now, Jaylon Moore appears to be emerging as the front-runner as the Chiefs gear up for the 2026 season.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, speaking after the June 12 minicamp practice at the University of Kansas Hospital Arrowhead Training Complex, was clear that the right tackle competition is still open. However, he expressed confidence in the group battling for the spot, with Moore leading the pack. Moore, a fifth-round pick out of Western Michigan in the 2021 NFL Draft, has spent five seasons largely as a swing tackle and spot starter.
Reid's comments, reported by multiple Chiefs beat writers, implied the team's faith in internal development rather than seeking external solutions. The Chiefs traded away a fourth-year player at right tackle last offseason and did not sign a veteran free agent or invest premium draft capital into the position after selecting Kingsley Suamataia in the second round in 2024. This approach underscores the franchise's commitment to developing homegrown talent--starting with Moore.
The Case for Jaylon Moore
While Moore has yet to start full-time in his NFL career, his 17 games of experience as a rotational tackle give him an edge in familiarity and composure that the Chiefs value. Last season, when Jawaan Taylor was sidelined with an ankle injury, Moore stepped in and stabilized the right side. He didn't dominate defenders with highlight-reel blocks, but he maintained a viable pocket for Patrick Mahomes, who was not pressured from that edge. For a team built around one of the most important players in the sport, that baseline of consistency is vital.
Entering his sixth NFL season at age 27, Moore provides a veteran presence within an otherwise young offensive line group. Suamataia, a talented but still-developing second-round pick from 2024, and Josh Simmons, the Chiefs' first-round pick last year who has versatility but remains a work in progress, round out a youthful, evolving unit. Moore's experience extends beyond game snaps; he comprehends offensive line communication, understands Reid's protection schemes, and contributes leadership that cannot be overstated.
Importantly, the coaching staff, led by Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, have publicly endorsed Moore's credibility without prematurely anointing him. The battle remains real and competitive, but Moore's current advantage is his familiarity and trust within the system.
The Open Battle Dynamic
Reid's description of the right tackle contest as an "open battle" signals a healthy competitive environment designed to avoid complacency. Despite Moore's lead, the coaching staff expects pressure from Suamataia, Simmons, and Matt Waletzko, who has starting experience from his time with the Dallas Cowboys and is pushing to make an impact.
With the Chiefs cap situation tight--approximately $4.12 million in cap space opposed by nearly $9.78 million in dead money--the front office lacks the financial flexibility to pursue a veteran tackle on a costly contract. This fiscal reality necessitates internal growth and makes the competition among existing players even more critical.
Forecasting the Outcome
Analytically, Moore is favored to win the starting right tackle spot due to his dependability rather than raw upside. While Suamataia boasts a higher potential ceiling and Simmons offers promising length and power, Moore's steadiness and procedural knowledge set him apart during offseason work. In training camp battles, the starting role often goes to the player minimizing mistakes rather than the flashiest performer.
Pass protection was an area of moderate concern last season; the Chiefs ranked 12th in sack rate metrics, behind an elite interior line anchored by Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. The right tackle position must perform at least at a league-average level for Kansas City's offense to operate at its best, and Moore's presence offers a reliable baseline.
If Moore holds the job, the Chiefs enjoy the security of a seasoned tackle who won't be a liability. If he ultimately loses the role during the season, the team still retains a dependable swing tackle ready to fill in, which is a valuable depth asset.
The Human Element
Moore's journey reflects significant perseverance. Drafted in the fifth round in 2021, he has completed a long climb to this opportunity, embodying patience and work ethic. He has quietly outlasted multiple tackle prospects in the Chiefs' system, never airing frustrations or requesting a trade. His steady approach aligns with Andy Reid's preference for players who understand the importance of trust earned over time, especially in crucial January moments.
Reid appreciates players who have been in the building long enough to know the nuances of the offense and to earn the confidence required for a starting role. Moore currently holds that trust.
Verdict
The Chiefs are far from desperate at right tackle. Reid's measured optimism speaks volumes. A coach anxious about a position tends to speak in urgent terms, but Reid's comments convey satisfaction with the depth and development within the room.
It appears Jaylon Moore will be the Week 1 right tackle for the Chiefs. Expectations are tempered; he is projected to provide competent and consistent play through the early portion of the season. Should younger players display clear superiority, the team has the flexibility to make a transition, but for now, the right tackle spot belongs to Moore.
This situation is not a bold proclamation but an informed reading of the franchise's strategy. By trading away a veteran and entrusting the position to Moore, the Chiefs have cleared a path for him and signaled their confidence in his readiness.
Andy Reid sounds like a man who already believes he made the right choice.
This outlook provides Chiefs fans a grounded perspective going into training camp, emphasizing the value of steady development and trust in internal talent over splashy acquisitions. The right tackle competition will be vital to the offensive line's success in 2026, and Moore's emergence is a centerpiece of that narrative.
The next couple of months will reveal if Moore can hold the job and solidify Kansas City's right side as a reliable protector for Mahomes. Until then, the battle is on and the stakes are clear.
