49ers roster 2024: Jaylon Moore in danger of being phased out

Jaylon Moore faces some stiff competition this season for a spot on the back end of the 49ers' offensive line depth chart.

Reserve offensive linemen rarely command much attention, although their roles can be vital if injuries begin to pop up to even just one or two starters at this position.

The San Francisco 49ers aimed to make Jaylon Moore, their fifth-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, a quality backup who had the extreme upside of being a starter.

While Moore has been a spot starter at various positions throughout his three years with the Niners, he never turned into one of those preferred backups deserving of a second contract with the team that drafted him.

To date, he's played in 40 games and started seven of them during the last three years.

A free agent in 2025, Moore could secure himself a go-to job on the depth chart this season before hitting the open market.

But, in light of San Francisco's offseason moves, it's also feasible Moore winds up being a victim of both the numbers game and inevitable transition on the back end of the roster.

What is Jaylon Moore's contract with the 49ers?

Moore's original rookie contract with the 49ers was a four-year deal worth up to $3.8 million, according to Over the Cap.

In 2024, Moore could earn up to $1.136 million in what's a contract year.

However, the dead money associated with his current year isn't much at $80,759. Should the Niners opt to make Moore part of pre-Week 1 roster cuts, the cap hit would be negligible.

What could get in the way of Jaylon Moore making 49ers' 53-man roster?

San Francisco's offseason transactions suggest Moore's roster spot and long-term future with the team is precarious.

The 49ers used two picks on linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft, grabbing Dominick Puni in Round 4 before grabbing Jarrett Kingston in Round 6. As long as they both develop well enough, it's likely the Niners commit to their respective rookie contracts instead of opting to extend Moore.

In addition, teams typically keep between three and four reserve linemen on a 53-man roster, putting Moore in a heated battle with the two rookies and other veterans like Jon Feliciano, Ben Bartch, Sebastian Gutierrez, Nick Zakelj, Chris Hubbard and others.

Moore will have to stand out above a significant number of others, who are essentially looking to take his job.

If he does just that, Moore likely finds himself earning a spot on the back end of the depth chart.

If not, Moore probably winds up being a roster cut, destined to an uncertain future before the regular season even begins.

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