Kansas City's starting lineup may not be as settled as it looks. With training camp around the corner, several projected starters are already feeling pressure as younger players continue to make their case.

The Chiefs enter the 2026 season with position battles at right tackle, wide receiver, and edge rusher. While training camp will ultimately decide those jobs, each competition has already become a storyline worth watching.

A few players currently in the starting lineup could easily find themselves losing their spot if the competition keeps heating up. The Chiefs' lineup might look quite different come midseason.

Here are the three Chiefs starters on thin ice for the upcoming season, as per Justin Churchill of AtoZ Sports.

Jaylon Moore (right tackle)

Moore is expected to begin training camp as the starting right tackle, but he has some legitimate competition.

Esa Pole, a second-year lineman, stepped up last year when the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line suffered injuries, and Andy Reid has confirmed that Pole has already been given first-team reps in the OTAs.

Khalil Benson, a 6'6", 320 tackle from Indiana and an undrafted free agent, is the dark horse in this situation as he has created quite a buzz with the coaching staff.

Moore will probably be the one starting in week one, with the right side of the offensive line remaining a concern.

Rashee Rice (wide receiver)

Rice's availability is the main issue. Between his recovery from knee surgery and time missed during the offseason, there are legitimate questions about how quickly he'll return to full speed.

That uncertainty has opened the door for younger receivers to compete for a larger role heading into training camp.

Cincinnati's rookie wideout, Cyrus Allen, is the biggest threat. The coaching staff seems to be very satisfied with his skill and preparedness.

Royals and Caldwell provide extra support and give Kansas City a real backup plan at the position, if Rice's availability continues to be an issue, as we move into the Regular season.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah (edge rusher)

Currently, Anudike-Uzomah is expected to line up as the starting edge rusher across from George Karlaftis; however, he is facing the most competitive position group on the defense.

Ashton Gillotte is in year two of his development and has the potential to be an immediate contributor in a bigger role.

R Mason Thomas is the bigger threat. He has elite pass-rushing skills and a rare burst off the line, making him difficult to keep off the field. He also has useful run defense skills.

Churchill claims KC has the positional depth, along with everything and more that they need, to let Anudike-Uzomah go without him disrupting the backfield.

Training camp will determine whether Moore, Rice, and Anudike-Uzomah can hold onto their projected starting roles. If their challengers continue to impress, the Chiefs could head into the regular season with a different lineup than many expect.

What are your thoughts on these players for the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Rudra Dubey