Chiefs OT Jaylon Moore Is Welcoming the Challenge From Rising Rookie Kahlil Benson

The veteran lineman is embracing the competition between himself and the undrafted rookie out of Indiana.

Jul 29, 2026; St. Joseph, MO, USA; KKansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick (72) and offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (77) and offensive tackle Matt Waletzko (73) walk down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line is almost completely set, but there is still a lingering battle between Kahlil Benson and Jaylon Moore for the starting right tackle job. The undrafted rookie out of Indiana has emerged as a starting candidate, taking first-team reps on the right side for over a week ahead of the veteran.

Moore, who is in the final season of a two-year, $30 million deal he signed last offseason, spent four years with the San Francisco 49ers as a swing tackle before signing with K.C.

He was expected to be the blindside protector of Patrick Mahomes until Josh Simmons fell to the Chiefs in the first round of last year's draft. As a result, he only started six games after beginning the year as a backup and eventually dealing with a knee injury of his own.

Now that Simmons is healthy and in the best shape of his life, the only starting spot available to Moore is on the right side. Although he's predominantly played left tackle throughout his NFL career — including over 90% of his combined snaps in San Francisco — Moore is more than willing to adjust to a new spot on the offensive line.

"Honestly for me, throughout my career, I've been back and forth," Moore said. "It's good to get the reps on either side because at any point, anything can happen. And it's good to make sure that every one of our guys are able to play multiple different positions and be able to play wherever your number is called."

Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Jaylon Moore (77) takes the field prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The last handful of days at training camp have featured Moore and Benson starting alongside each other with the first team, as projected right guard Trey Smith continues to deal with a hip injury. Moore says that working next to Benson rather than competing against him for a spot has gone a long way in building their relationship.

"It's been really good for both of us," Moore continued. "Obviously, him transitioning to [guard] during this camp, he's been working in and out of both spots. So, it's been good for me as well, just being able to get camaraderie and being able to play with whoever."

Naturally, one would think there's some animosity between a six-year veteran and a bright-eyed rookie who's never even taken an NFL snap competing for a starting spot. However, Moore is a true professional who doesn't let competition get in the way of the team's goals.

Even in a contract year, Moore made it clear that while there certainly is a position battle, the two players are working in harmony and pushing each other to become the best they can be.

"Honestly, we're all pushing each other to get better every single day, regardless of what the depth chart looks like," Moore promised. "It's good for him, it's good for me as well. We're all pushing each other in that room."

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