Chiefs’ New Free Agent Signing Expected to Be Outperformed by Rookie

The Kansas City Chiefs, aware of their offensive line needs, acted swiftly in free agency, with GM Brett Veach signing former 49ers backup Jaylon Moore to a two-year deal to potentially protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. However, the team didn’t stop there. In the draft, they selected Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons in the first round, signaling their intent to build long-term strength at the position.

Despite Moore’s recent signing, ESPN’s Adam Teicher suggests Simmons is the clear favorite to claim the starting left tackle role, possibly as early as Week 1. “The Chiefs didn’t spend a first-round pick on Simmons with the expectation he’d be a backup his entire rookie season,” Teicher noted. “He’ll be the starter at some point in 2025, if not immediately.”

Simmons, coming off a knee injury, has expressed confidence in his readiness for training camp, where the position battle will begin in earnest. His eagerness to compete and the investment the Chiefs made in drafting him both suggest he won’t settle for a reserve role.

While Moore brings four years of NFL experience, the expectation is that Simmons will outperform him sooner rather than later. This scenario may be exactly what the Chiefs envisioned: a promising rookie pushing a veteran for a key starting role, ultimately improving the unit protecting their franchise quarterback.

Simmons’ ambition and health position him as a strong candidate to win the job, potentially relegating Moore to a backup role despite his new contract.