Chiefs’ Mahomes – Kansas City’s offensive line is drawing attention at minicamp—left tackle Josh Simmons has discussed weight targets, while right tackle Jaylon Moore faces a three-way starting battle involving Esa Pole and Kahlil Benson.
For the Kansas City Chiefs to keep Patrick Mahomes upright and comfortable, they need the offensive line to deliver time in the pocket. At minicamp, two storylines are pushing that requirement into the spotlight.
The first is the left tackle position, where Josh Simmons’ weight has been a topic all offseason. In 2025, Simmons played between 285 and 290 pounds. He’s said he’s trying to reach 300-plus pounds in 2026—an offseason focus that matters in an NFL where the blindside protector is expected to bring serious mass.
Even with the discussion, Kansas City isn’t acting like this is an emergency. The Chiefs believe in Simmons’ versatile game, and the expectation is that he keeps proving himself as the season approaches.
Jesse Newell. writing for the Athletic. captured the Chiefs’ stance in a way that makes the situation feel less like panic and more like acceptance of the tradeoffs: “I think all of that gets back to the original point with Simmons. In a normal circumstance, do you want a 290-pound left tackle?. No. With Simmons. though. the Chiefs seem to be content with a player who seems to be an anomaly in the best sort of way.”.
If the left side comes with questions about size and development, the right tackle picture is sharper—because it’s competitive.
Kansas City paid Jaylon Moore $30 million to play right tackle in 2025. Yet now, Moore is in what Newell describes as “a legit three-way battle” for the starting role. Two months ago. Newell says he would have expected Moore to be a shoo-in at right tackle. but open practices have offered a clearer view of how the coaches feel.
That’s where the second and third names come in: the Chiefs are giving long looks to second-year player Esa Pole and rookie Kahlil Benson. Moore’s path still runs through earning it on the field, not assuming it.
Moore has a clear resume advantage—outside of his contract, he has 70 games of NFL experience with 17 starts. Pole has played just five games, while Benson is a rookie. By pure experience, Moore should be favored.
But Kansas City’s message is consistent: the job isn’t being handed over.
Newell summed up the frustration of trying to ignore what’s happening in front of everyone at practice: “It’s a much more real battle than I expected. that’s for sure. Two months ago, I would’ve told you that Moore was a shoo-in for the starting right tackle spot. It’s difficult for coaches to hide how they feel about players during open practices. though. and it’s clear from being out there that the Chiefs are giving long looks to second-year player Esa Pole and rookie Kahlil Benson.”.
Put together. the two minicamp storylines underline the same pressure point for Mahomes: the Chiefs can’t afford a shaky pocket. Simmons is working toward a heavier frame for 2026 while Kansas City decides how much deviation it can live with. On the right side, Moore’s paychecks and experience don’t automatically settle the competition.
In the end, Kansas City’s approach is straightforward: they’ll do whatever is best for overall offensive line success. Right now, what’s best is still being tested—rep by rep.
Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes offensive line Josh Simmons Jaylon Moore Esa Pole Kahlil Benson minicamp left tackle right tackle