The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for training camp, but the question on everyone's mind is: who will step up as the starting right tackle? With the departure of Jawaan Taylor, the position is wide open, and the competition is fierce. The Chiefs are taking a calculated risk by not giving the job to Jaylon Moore unopposed, despite his $18 million cap hit. Instead, they're giving Moore and Esa Pole a chance to battle it out, with the understanding that one of them will be the long-term solution. But who has the edge? And what does this mean for the team's strategy moving forward?
Moore, the "mainstay" as Andy Reid calls him, has been a reliable swing tackle, but he's never been a full-time starter. His experience is limited to just four starts at right tackle in 2025, and he's been more of a backup to San Francisco 49ers' Trent Williams. His performance in those starts was underwhelming, with nine pressures allowed. However, Moore has the benefit of being a veteran, and the Chiefs have shown faith in him by trading away Wanya Morris and cutting Taylor.
Pole, on the other hand, is an undrafted free agent who made a name for himself last season. He started four games at right tackle after injuries hit the offensive line, and while he allowed 15 pressures and one sack, he also committed three penalties. Pole's performance was good enough to earn him a spot on the New York Jets' practice squad, and he's now back with the Chiefs, hoping to make the team.
The battle for the starting right tackle job is intense, with Moore and Pole both having their strengths and weaknesses. Moore has more experience, but Pole has the potential to be a longer-term solution. The Chiefs are taking a risk by not giving Moore the job unopposed, but it's a risk worth taking to protect Patrick Mahomes and ensure the team's success. The question remains: who will emerge as the winner of this competition, and what does it mean for the Chiefs' future?
One thing is certain: the Chiefs are taking a calculated risk, and the outcome will shape the team's strategy for the upcoming season. The right tackle position is crucial, and the Chiefs are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the perfect fit. The battle is on, and the future of the Chiefs' offensive line hangs in the balance.
