Why Chiefs Offensive Tackle Situation Is More Concerning Than It Seems

The Chiefs' preseason Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers highlighted the team's dire offensive tackle situation.

Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Esa Pole (79) takes the field prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kahlil Benson had become one of the hottest stories in Chiefs training camp, earning first-team reps at right tackle since the second day of the summer and quickly drawing praise from the coaching staff. However, those good vibes halted on Saturday when he made his first start at right tackle in a preseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The undrafted rookie out of Indiana was alarmingly inadequate, getting beaten badly on multiple reps by rookie Rueben Bain Jr. that went viral on social media. Granted, Bain was a first-round draft selection and is one of the best pass rushers in this year's class, but Benson will have to deal with more talented edge rushers in the AFC West if he opens the season with the starting five linemen.

Benson's poor showing simply means the Chiefs will slot veteran Jaylon Moore back into the right side as expected, right? Well, that's not necessarily the end-all solution for Kansas City.

The team's three tackles finished the loss with the worst Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades among any linemen on the roster. Benson had the lowest score on the field at 33.4, but Moore (40.7) and Esa Pole (41.4) didn't fare much better.

The Issue With the Chiefs’ Offensive Tackles

With second-year standout Josh Simmons sidelined by lingering back stiffness, Moore took over at left tackle, where he's played the majority of his snaps in the NFL. Meanwhile, Benson made his first start on the opposite side.

Despite his large contract, Chiefs fans already knew heading into training camp that Moore was far from a sure thing. He was Trent Williams' backup in San Francisco and performed well in a swing tackle role when needed, but he has not proven he can be a consistent 17-game starter in the NFL.

Then, there's a case to be made that Kansas City is relying too heavily on Simmons. The 23-year-old is in tremendous physical shape and was impressive during the games he did play as a rookie, but he still remains a bit of a wild card.

Simmons missed nine contests due to personal issues and a broken wrist in 2025. So, is it really smart for the Chiefs to lean on him to miraculously solve an otherwise dire offensive tackle situation?

Kansas City is only one more injury to Simmons away from its offensive line blowing up and the team scrambling for a midseason trade. Benson is extremely strong and possesses plenty of positive physical traits, but if he's not ready to serve as the team's swing man in Year 1, Andy Reid has a significant problem on his hands.

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