The Kansas City Chiefs have secured agreements to bolster their roster by signing offensive tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year contract worth $30 million and reaching a one-year, $3.5 million deal with running back Elijah Mitchell, as sources familiar with the transactions confirmed on condition of anonymity. These contracts have not yet been made official.
Throughout the previous season, the Chiefs consistently sought improvements at the left tackle position, particularly due to the challenges faced by rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year player Wanya Morris in adequately protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. During the latter part of the season and in the playoffs, All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was repositioned to tackle, but the team still struggled to protect Mahomes during a significant Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Recent trades saw the Chiefs send Thuney to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft, opening another gap in their offensive line. Suamataia may be shifted from tackle to guard, offering him the initial chance to fill this new void. However, the trade left the Chiefs short one option for offensive tackle.
The situation became more pressing when the Baltimore Ravens retained Ronnie Stanley with a three-year, $60 million contract, removing a prime candidate from the free-agent pool. The Chiefs, in search of alternatives, ultimately decided on Moore, who participated in 55 games over the past four years with the San Francisco 49ers. At 27, he was drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round in 2021 from Western Michigan, starting 12 games, with five of those starts happening later last season where he performed commendably in his expanded responsibilities.
While the signing of Moore addresses one of the Chiefs’ critical needs, they may continue to look for an offensive tackle in the draft to add depth or competition. Additionally, center Creed Humphrey has been extended with a long-term agreement, while right guard Trey Smith is in line for an extension after being franchise tagged earlier in the offseason.
On the running back front, the Chiefs hope that the addition of 26-year-old Mitchell will revitalize his previously injury-stricken career. Mitchell showcased his talents at the NFL Combine in 2021 by clocking a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and nearly achieving 1,000 rushing yards during his rookie year over 11 games. However, knee issues limited him to just five games in the subsequent season, and after playing in 11 games two seasons ago, he ended up on the reserve/injured list last year due to a hamstring concern.
Kansas City’s running back lineup previously included Isiah Pacheco, facing a contract year following an injury-shortened last season, alongside journeyman Keontay Ingram and hybrid-fullback Carson Steele. Third-down back Samaje Perine remains a free agent, as does Kareem Hunt, who proved effective for the Chiefs post-Pacheco injury. Hunt was not signed last offseason due to injury concerns but is anticipated to draw interest this time around.
The two signings come on the heels of a busy period ahead of the official league year commencement. Kansas City’s front office, aiming to revamp after their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, recently sealed an $11 million contract with wide receiver Marquise Brown and a three-year, $45 million deal with linebacker Nick Bolton.
