The Kansas City Chiefs are rolling into their 2026 training camp next week in a completely wild spot, dude: they’re fresh off a losing season for the first time ever under head coach Andy Reid. Yeah, you heard that right. That kind of unfamiliar situation sets the stage for some serious shake-ups, and none bigger than the absolute dogfight brewing at right tackle. Protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who’s returning from injury, just got a whole lot more intense, and this right tackle decision is absolutely everything.
Right Tackle: The One Spot That Matters
Training camp is set to kick off next week at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, and all eyes will be on the offensive line. After a losing season, changes were inevitable. The biggest departure? Jawaan Taylor, the starting right tackle for three years, who got cut in March as a cap-saving measure. Taylor was a part of two AFC titles, but man, those frequent penalties and errors were a source of real frustration for fans, especially given his high cap hit. He eventually signed with the Atlanta Falcons, leaving a massive hole. Here’s the kicker: right tackle is the *only* offensive line position slated for a new Week 1 starter, and it’s literally the *only* real position up for grabs on the entire starting Chiefs offense. Talk about high stakes for one job!
Jaylon Moore: Mainstay, But Not a Guarantee
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed during OTAs in June that there’s a full-on “competition” for the starting spot. “Moore has been kind of the mainstay in there, and then we’ve moved guys in there,” Reid said, acknowledging the fluidity. He feels good about the other four offensive line spots, but this right tackle choice? It’s “imperative” they nail it to protect Mahomes as he returns from injury. Enter Jaylon Moore, who Reid called the “mainstay.” The Chiefs have shown a lot of faith in Moore already, not just by releasing Taylor, but also by trading offensive tackle Wanya Morris to the Falcons this offseason. Moore is heading into his second season in Kansas City, now settling in at right tackle after previously playing both edges as the team’s swing tackle. Last year, he started four games at left tackle and two at right tackle, playing 38% of the offense’s snaps. He was credited with three sacks. Moore brings 18 career starts to the table, having spent most of his career as the backup to San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. While he’s primarily been on the left side, Joshua Simmons has Mahomes’ blindside handled. Moore has an $18 million cap hit this year, but he’s never been a full-time starter. The fact that he’s not unopposed for the gig, despite that massive cap hit, tells you just how serious this competition is for Mahomes’ protection.
This isn’t just about finding a new starter, it’s about getting their franchise QB healthy and protected after a tough losing season. All eyes are gonna be on St. Joe next week to see who steps up and earns that job. This decision could literally make or break their push to bounce back in 2026.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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