Kahlil Benson news
The gist
Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson started at left tackle for the Chiefs in their season opener.
His rise puts a veteran's job in question and shapes how Mahomes is protected.
How it unfolded
- Sep 14, 2026Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson started at left tackle for the Chiefs in their Monday night season opener against the Denver Broncos, with Josh Simmons out since mid-August with a back injury; veteran Jaylon Moore was inserted at right tackle.
- Sep 14, 2026In his first career start, Benson allowed just one pressure on 32 pass-blocking snaps, a 3.2% pressure rate, and was the only one of four rookie offensive tackles with at least 29 pass-blocking snaps (Blake Miller, Monroe Freeling, Spencer Fano) to not allow a sack.
- Sep 15, 2026Reports said Benson was named the Chiefs' starting left tackle to open the 2026 season; he signed a 3-year, $3.1 million contract averaging $1.033 million per year through 2028, then becomes a restricted free agent ahead of 2029.