PFF is making the case for the 49ers to invest in re-signing offensive tackle Jaylon Moore .
The San Francisco 49ers have several big names heading for free agency. However, one of the team’s longtime backups was unexpectedly highlighted by Pro Football Focus.
In a recent piece by Bradley Locker over at PFF, Locker broke down the impending free agent on each team who received the highest PFF grade this past season. For the 49ers, it was not safety Talanoa Hufanga or cornerback Charvarius Ward. It was offensive tackle Jaylon Moore. Granted, Locker noted that linebacker Dre Greenlaw had a higher grade but was not considered because injuries limited him to just 34 snaps.
“Meanwhile, Moore was a solid fill-in at left tackle, surrendering only one sack and 10 pressures on 154 opportunities,” Locker wrote. “The 27-year-old was generally effective as a run blocker, reflected in his 70.1 PFF run-blocking grade. With only 831 career offensive snaps under his belt, Moore projects best as a swing and/or depth tackle. With Trent Williams’ decision to return not yet known, the 49ers could look to bring Moore back if they need to usher in a more marquee replacement.”
Moore has been a solid rotational tackle for the Niners since they added him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. At times, Moore seemed headed for a starting spot in San Francisco. However, despite solid flashes at left tackle when filling in for Trent Williams, he struggled with inconsistency when he flipped to the right side of the line.
Moore has appeared in 55 games over his four-year career with the 49ers, making 12 starts. A backup left tackle behind the best left tackle in the league, it’s worth wondering if another team will give Moore a chance to compete for a starting spot. If you buy into PFF’s performance evaluation this past season, he is more than ready to be a solid starting left tackle.