Tight End
Target: Charles Clay
Specs: 30 years old, 8 year NFL veteran, 6’3″, 246 lb, with a 10+ yards/catch average for his career
The Why: Kansas City has a depth issue both in terms of blocking and pass catching at the tight end level. If we have learned anything from the first third of the Chiefs’ season, depth can make or break a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Kansas City has essentially no tight end depth behind All Pro Travis Kelce; and even with him playing, they could stand to have a veteran blocker with, reliable hands as a second option. This would not only help to keep Patrick Mahomes upright, but could also help to further exploit how defenses are trying to play them (man coverage). Additionally, Arizona has essentially decided not to use Clay in any meaningful way in their new offense.
The How: Given the state of their roster and position in their division (miles behind the Seahawks and the 49ers), Arizona should be looking to move on from older players who are not part of the game plan. Clay certainly fits that bill. Compounding that is the fact that he’s on an expiring contract and we don’t see the Cardinals bringing him back with the younger, stronger Ricky Seals-Jones on the roster. Arizona will take the first 6th round pick that walks through the door and the Chiefs should be happy to give it.