Training camp is heating up in St. Joseph, Missouri, and while players are just strapping on full pads Monday, the intensity is already through the roof. We’re talking a 90-man roster where some guys are fighting for their careers, and what happens now absolutely sets the tone for the entire season. It’s not just practice, it’s a battleground, and already, a couple of players are on the wrong side of the stick.
The Right Tackle Race Is Anything But Settled
Jaylon Moore was supposed to be the man at right tackle this season, plain and simple. After a year in the Chiefs’ system, and even starting six games in 2025 before an injury took him out in December, everyone expected him to lock it down. Fans were literally calling for him to start over Jawaan Taylor for most of last season! Moore was solid when he played, but the offseason has seen that tackle room get way more crowded. We saw undrafted free agent Esa Pole make some noise when he got snaps, sparking serious debate about the starting job for 2026. Now? The biggest shocker is undrafted rookie Khalil Benson has been the primary starter with the first-team offense during camp, while Moore is stuck with the second team. Yeah, you read that right. Sure, maybe they’re just giving Benson a shot to prove himself, and Moore’s experience and contract still have him as the odds-on favorite. But let’s be real: if he struggles in camp, or stinks it up in preseason games, his future in the NFL could be totally jeopardized. That’s a brutal reality check, man.
Chamarri Conner’s Safety Struggles Continue
Then there’s Chamarri Conner, who’s had an absolute roller coaster ride since landing in Kansas City in 2023. Early on, he showed flashes, making plays on the ball and bringing some highlight-reel moments. He’s a splash-play guy, no doubt, and he’s come up huge in tight spots. The problem? As an every-down safety, it just hasn’t clicked at the highest level. Last season, the Chiefs tried to make him an every-down guy, and it just didn’t pan out like they hoped. With free safety Bryan Cook departing this offseason, you’d think Conner would be stepping into a bigger role, primed to make his move. But no, the team went out and signed Alohi Gillman to be the new free safety, and Conner is still battling Jaden Hicks for the strong safety spot. Another rough camp and a poor preseason could absolutely take Conner out of the running for a starting job altogether. That’s a tough pill to swallow after thinking his time might finally be here.
The pads are on starting Monday, and the stakes just got real for these guys. Every single rep matters for Moore and Conner, because what happens between now and the end of preseason will decide if they’re fighting for a starting spot, or fighting just to stay on the roster. It’s a make-or-break stretch, and we’ll be watching every snap to see how this shakes out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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