By Dianna Russini, Nate Taylor and Matt Barrows
The Chiefs and offensive tackle Jaylon Moore have agreed to a two-year deal, league sources said Monday, as general manager Brett Veach continues to reshape Kansas City’s offensive line. The two-year contract is worth $30 million, per a league source.
Moore ranked as the No. 8 offensive tackle in The Athletic’s NFL free-agency rankings and No. 105 overall. He appeared in 55 games (12 starts) for the San Francisco 49ers over the last four seasons, slotting as Trent Williams’ understudy at left tackle. The Niners selected Moore in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan and he figures to bolster a revamped O-line in Kansas City.
The Chiefs are aiming to re-sign Trey Smith after placing a non-exclusive franchise tag on the right guard, and last week they traded offensive lineman Joe Thuney, a three-time Pro Bowler, to the Chicago Bears.
How Moore fits into Kansas City’s plans
The Chiefs’ initial plan for free agency was to try to convince left tackle Ronnie Stanley, the nine-year veteran, to leave the Baltimore Ravens to sign with them to help protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Stanley, however, re-signed with the Ravens, forcing the Chiefs to pivot to acquiring Moore, who they see as an underrated and ascending player.
At age 27, Moore will become a first-time starter and have the role of protecting the blind side of Mahomes, the league’s most talented quarterback. The Chiefs are optimistic that Moore is ready for that responsibility after being a four-year understudy behind Williams, one of the league’s best left tackles. In the past two seasons, Moore has played 279 pass-blocking snaps and has allowed just two sacks. — Nate Taylor, Chiefs beat writer
What this means for the 49ers
Williams hasn’t played a complete season since 2013, which means Moore has gotten plenty of game experience in recent years. The 49ers had been interested in retaining Moore as insurance against the often-injured Williams, but not at the level at which the Chiefs are paying him.
The 49ers should be in the market for a good swing tackle behind Williams and right tackle Colton McKivitz. They tendered exclusive rights to free-agent Austen Pleasants, a late-season addition in 2024, and they may bring back Charlie Heck, another late-season addition who is an unrestricted free agent. They also have the No. 11 pick in the draft, which could be used on a tackle like Missouri’s Armand Membou or LSU’s Will Campbell. — Matt Barrows, 49ers beat writer
Required reading
(Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images)