Kansas City Chiefs Share Exciting Kahlil Benson News

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Kansas City Chiefs Share Exciting Kahlil Benson News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Hiney | Last updated Oct 1, 2026 7:09 PM ET

One month ago, Kahlil Benson was a relatively unknown player. Now he’s getting national recognition.

The former Indiana Hoosier was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chiefs this offseason. He was seen as a good project lineman, someone who could see real playing time in a year or two with proper development. Kansas City and Benson were not given that luxury.

2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons was projected to be the starting left tackle this season. After he went down with a back injury in training camp, the Chiefs had to pivot. They turned to Benson to start at left tackle. He’s made the coaching staff look like geniuses.

Benson has been outstanding in three games. He’s been particularly good in the run game, helping Kansas City revitalize that aspect of its offense. And on Thursday, the Chiefs took to social media to share that he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month.

Not a bad start to your NFL career

Congratulations to @BensonKahlil on being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month! pic.twitter.com/Cse3RrRZ2X
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 1, 2026

It’s quite the story to go from an undrafted free agent to Offensive Rookie of the Month in such a short time span. But that’s exactly what Benson has done. He’s shocked the NFL world and given the Chiefs offensive line some much-needed consistency at left tackle.

Kansas City is off to a 3-0 start, and the offense is a big reason why. Patrick Mahomes, Kenneth Walker III, and the skill position players have gotten a lot of the credit early on. But the offensive line deserves its flowers too. That includes Benson, who’s been better than anyone could anticipate.

Even when Simmons gets healthy, there shouldn’t be a debate about who gets to protect Mahomes blindside. Benson has earned the right to keep that job going forward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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