Chiefs OL Mike Caliendo speaks on potentially uncomfortable practice dynamic with his biggest competition for a starting job

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Kansas City Chiefs News

As the left tackle battle between Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore gets the spotlight, don’t forget about the competition at left guard.

Second-year player Kingsley Suamataia and fourth-year veteran Mike Caliendo are both vying for the starting LG job. Suamataia was drafted to be the Chiefs’ LT of the future, but was benched after two starts in 2024 due to poor play. He started at LG in Week 18 and did a solid job, and now he’ll get the chance to resurrect his career at the position.

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The Vikings have a few dark horses in the mix to make the 53-man rosterThe Vikings have a few dark horses in the mix to make the 53-man roster

Caliendo signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent in 2022. In Week 15 of 2024 he was thrusted into the starting lineup at LG after Joe Thuney had to switch to LT. He struggled more often than not, ranking 114th out of 136 guards in Pro Football Focus’ grading system.

Given his higher draft status and performance in Week 18 last season, Suamataia seems to be the early favorite to win the job. While speaking to the media following Day 2 of Chiefs mandatory minicamp practice, Caliendo said that he and Suamataia have been working together to help each other get better.

“He’s been awesome,” Caliendo said. “He’s been really focused in on perfecting his craft, and it’s been fun to watch him get in there at guard and really do a great job. And it’s fun helping him out, and he’s helping me out at the same time. So, it’s been good.”

Sometimes when athletes are battling it out for the same job, tension can develop. It’s good to hear that isn’t the case with Caliendo and Suamataia, and both could become better players because of it. Caliendo went on to say that the entire offensive line group is working together to improve.

“At the end of the day, I think our whole room is just trying to give our best every single day,” Caliendo said. “That’s what our focus is right now, and it will be going into training camp. And I think that’s the most important thing, just continuing to bring everybody up and continue to get better.”