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Undrafted Rookie Kahlil Benson Poised to Take Chiefs' Starting Right Tackle Job

PUBLISHED Aug 6, 2026, 6:58 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 28

Left 7%

Center 86%

Right 7%

Sources: 28

Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie free agent Kahlil Benson has emerged as the frontrunner to claim the team's starting right tackle position during training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. Following the team's seventh full-squad practice, Benson took all first-team starter repetitions at right tackle for the second consecutive day, surpassing veteran offensive lineman Jaylon Moore on the depth chart. Benson originally signed with the Chiefs on May 4 following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. Benson played college football across multiple programs, starting his career with the Indiana Hoosiers, transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes for the 2024 season, and returning to Indiana for their 2025 campaign, which culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship. Despite going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-6, 319-pound offensive lineman quickly established himself during Kansas City's offseason workouts and training camp. Chiefs starting left tackle Josh Simmons evaluated Benson's performance during camp practices. "I think Kahlil is doing a great job," Simmons said via KQTV. "I think he's a very physical player. I think he should just add on to that. I think you can't really teach effort." Senior news writer Kevin Patra reported that while Benson must continue avoiding rookie stumbles throughout the upcoming preseason games to formally lock down the role, the starting job currently appears to be his to lose. The Chiefs continue their training camp preparations ahead of the 2026 regular season, where Benson is positioned to secure a permanent role protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On November 12, 2012, Stefon committed to playing college football.
On April 30, 2015, Minnesota drafted Stefon in fifth round.
On March 16, 2020, Buffalo traded for wide receiver Stefon.
On April 3, 2024, Houston acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
On October 27, 2024, Stefon suffered a torn ACL injury.
On March 4, 2025, New England released wide receiver Stefon.
On May 5, 2026, a jury acquitted Stefon of charges.
On August 5, 2026, Stefon signed with the Washington Commanders.
On August 6, 2026, analysts evaluated Washington's new offensive lineup.
Stefon will join Washington training camp practices starting this week.
Stefon will play his first preseason snap with Washington soon.
Stefon will debut in regular season against Philadelphia in September.

News Intelligence

Washington upgrades receiving corps significantly for star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Washington establishes veteran leadership for future NFL playoff contention runs.
Washington Commanders fans and NFL wide receiver market industry stakeholders.
Monitor official team announcements and player training camp practice updates.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 28
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 2
Neutral:: 24

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Emphasizes local roots, community connections, and personal redemption team storylines. Focuses purely on contract terms, financial data, and roster fit. Highlights competitive advantages, salary cap management, and championship team potential.