The San Francisco 49ers were never going to pay Jaylon Moore's asking price before he hit free agency, but it still hurts to see him go.
The Niners' former backup offensive tackle found a new home with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he's already thriving in his role. If Moore continues his current form, he could have fans wanting him back in the Bay Area.
For now, fans will have to settle for watching him succeed in a different shade of red.
Former 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore thrives with Chiefs
If you get anything out of a fifth-round pick, it's considered a success. When a fifth-round offensive tackle becomes a quality starter, it's a borderline miracle.
Moore was an unknown prospect out of Western Michigan entering the 2021 NFL Draft. The Niners took a chance on him, stashing him as a backup swing tackle. In his four seasons in San Francisco, Moore played significant snaps but never took over as a full-time starter.
After his impressive stretch in 2024 in which he had to regularly fill in for All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams because of injuries, Moore saw an opportunity to earn a massive pay raise. Unfortunately, that raise wasn't going to come with the Niners. San Francisco let him enter free agency, where he would quickly sign with the Chiefs.
Kansas City was desperate for offensive tackle help after their embarrassing performance in the Super Bowl, and Moore was the best option. The Chiefs gave him a two-year, $30 million contract to become their starting left tackle.
Since he arrived in Kansas City, Moore has done everything right. After the Chiefs spent a first-round pick on former Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons, Moore's role became unclear. He's earned reps at left tackle, right tackle, and even guard.
On the team's initial depth chart, Moore was listed as the backup right tackle. $30 million is quite the price for a backup, but the Chiefs seem to be using him as a versatile backup capable of filling in wherever necessary across the offensive front. Especially for a contending team, it's crucial to have a piece like that. Both of Kansas City's starting tackles carry concerning injury histories, so a quality backup like Moore is a necessity.
In his first preseason appearance, Moore looked as capable as ever. He allowed one pressure, but held up against various defensive linemen.
Without Moore around, the 49ers' depth on the offensive line is a bit more shaky. Hopefully, San Francisco's front can stay healthy enough to keep Moore's departure from being a huge mistake.