The Kansas City Chiefs knew of their offensive line problems, and general manager Brett Veach was proactive in getting a body inside the building early in free agency.
Former San Francisco 49ers backup Jaylon Moore was signed to a two-year deal to be Patrick Mahomes’ blindside protector.
But in the draft, many still thought Kansas City would look to add another tackle as long-term security, and they did with Ohio State’s Josh Simmons.
And for ESPN’s Adam Teicher, while Moore has a contract and was just signed, all indicators are pointing to Simmons coming in and quickly overwhelming the four-year tackle for the starting role.
“The Chiefs signed veteran Jaylon Moore in free agency, setting up a potential position battle with Simmons for the starting spot at left tackle,” Teicher writes. “But the Chiefs didn’t spend a first-round pick on Simmons with the expectation he would be a backup his entire rookie season. He’ll be the starter at some point in 2025 if not immediately.”
Chiefs Ohio State OL Josh Simmons at 32
By Tony Fisher
In truth, this is likely the kind of scenario the Chiefs want to happen.
Yes, Moore has a two-year deal, but as Teicher mentioned, you don’t spend a first-round pick on a player if you think he will sit his rookie season, and in Simmons’ case, he’s expecting to start sooner rather than later.
His knee injury isn’t an issue, and the rookie thought he was ready to go by training camp, and that is where the battle for the left tackle position would ensue.
When the Chiefs drafted Simmons, they knew he wouldn’t be content being a backup. When training camp begins, he’ll get the chance to show that he’s more deserving of a starting spot than Moore.
