Chiefs' right tackle competition is creating a difficult Week 1 decision

Following one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the Chiefs' roster faced a lot of questions heading into the offseason. After just six wins in 2025, the Chiefs knew they needed to make changes, and there was a lot of expectation for a roster overhaul in Kansas City. But one unit that remained relatively untouched this offseason was the offensive line, which was strong in 2025 but struggled to stay healthy for nearly the entire season.

The Chiefs spent their 2025 first-round pick on left tackle Josh Simmons, who looked like a star in his limited reps last season before suffering a season-ending wrist injury. The interior of the Chiefs' line is arguably the best in football, with Kingsley Suamataia taking a major step forward in 2025. Creed Humphrey is the best center in football, and Trey Smith earned a major contract extension after an exceptional start to his career at right guard.

In 2025, the Chiefs' starting right tackle was Jawaan Taylor, whom the Chiefs cut this offseason in a money-saving move that freed up significant cap space. Moving on from Taylor was an obvious move that almost everyone saw coming, including the Chiefs' front office, and the team was ready heading into this offseason. Now, the right tackle competition has started to heat up, and there is a three-man race for the starting job in Week 1.

Jaylon Moore

After being blown out in the Super Bowl by the Eagles, the Chiefs knew they needed to bolster their offensive tackle room last year. Moore was the team's most expensive addition of the offseason, signing a two-year, $30 million deal. Despite this, Moore lost the starting left tackle job to Josh Simmons out of camp and was relegated to the role he held before joining Kansas City as a depth swing tackle.

Despite this, Moore found significant playing time as Josh Simmons and Jawaan Taylor struggled to stay healthy and remain on the field. Moore entered the offseason as the clear favorite to win the Chiefs' starting right tackle job, but so far, he has had some challengers for the position. Moore is the most experienced of the bunch and still feels like the most likely player to start Week 1, but those odds have narrowed as training camp has progressed.

Khalil Benson

Maybe the biggest story of the offseason for the Chiefs has been the confidence the team has shown in undrafted free agent Khalil Benson. So far in camp, Benson has earned significant first-team reps, with the team showing confidence in him by working him with the first team on a somewhat consistent basis. The team loves the power Benson brings on the right side of the line and hopes that strength will help balance its offense in 2026.

Even Benson's biggest fans did not expect him to rise through the ranks this quickly in Kansas City, and he has quickly become one of the most fascinating stories of camp. While it is still early and there is plenty of time for things to change, it seems as though Benson has received the majority of the first-team reps for the Chiefs in camp. Fans and analysts alike will have a close eye on Benson and his development this offseason as he attempts not only to make the roster but also to earn the starting right tackle job in Week 1.

Esa Pole

Of the three players listed, Pole has received the fewest first-team reps at right tackle for the Chiefs this offseason. Similar to Benson, Pole was an undrafted free agent addition for the Chiefs last offseason, and after some movement, he became a starter, appearing in five games for the team last season. Pole looked good at left tackle, showing exceptional length and movement skills as a pass protector throughout his limited reps in 2025.

The biggest setback for Pole is his limited experience at right tackle, having played meaningful snaps only at left tackle during his career. It is not as easy as it sounds to switch sides, and if the Chiefs like what they have in Moore and Benson, they may have Pole serve as a depth option in 2026. Pole could serve as the team's swing tackle this year, but he has had limited first-team reps at right tackle and will make his case in camp to become a starter this season.

Who do you think will be the Chiefs fifth starter on the right side of the offensive line? Sound off in the comments!

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