Arrowhead Pride
Kansas City’s new left tackle feels confident about how backing up an all-time great has shaped his game.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ first free-agency signing addressed what was arguably the team’s biggest position of need: left tackle. When former San Francisco 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore joined the team last week, he immediately became the favorite to start the position in 2025.
It’s okay if you haven’t heard much about Moore, since he’s recorded just 12 career starts over four years in San Francisco. Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore has watched the 49ers’ starting left tackle Trent Williams earn first-team All-Pro honors three times.
Injuries shortened Williams’ 2024 season, giving Moore the longest stretch of starts in his career. Now with a starting opportunity in Kansas City, Moore can reflect on what he learned playing with Williams.
“It was everything I could have imagined,” Moore recalled of the experience while speaking to reporters during a Zoom call on Thursday. “You sit in the film room every day... With that being the standard every day, in and out, it’s kind of hard [for the] floor to be very low.”
“Being put in that position and being able to study behind him — and kind of critique my game based on what I see — it made all the difference in the world.”
According to PFF, Moore allowed one sack and only one other quarterback hit over five starts last season — which included clean performances against the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers.
The 27-year-old tackle has confidence in his ability.
“The tape doesn’t lie,” he pointed out. “I know it’s a small sample size, but I just go out there and play ball the way I know how. [The Chiefs] see something in me, so I’m excited to go balls to the wall for these guys.”
Kansas City is looking for pass protection on quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. While That can come in a variety of ways, Moore is ready to make his presence felt while sealing the pocket.
“I’m pretty big on technique and finishing,” he revealed. “[I’m] trying to be the nasty guy — while always honing in on my technique and being technically sound.”
Part of protecting Mahomes will be getting on the same page with the two-time MVP. Moore is already thinking about how he can do that when they begin working together.
“Watching the film and having an open communication on things he might want or things he may like,” explained Moore. “[It’s about] being able to adjust — and have him trust me to be there and protect him at all times.”
Moore will have to do more than just adjust to the quarterback. The Chiefs’ offensive scheme is different than the 49ers’ run-centric approach — but Moore is embracing the challenge.
“It’s going to be an adjustment,” he acknowledged. “My goal is trying to get better every single day at that kind of stuff and...
