KC Chiefs sign former XFL quarterback Jordan Ta’amu

The Kansas City Chiefs reached into the XFL for their latest free agent signing in quarterback Jordan Ta’amu.

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to make a series of minor moves so far in free agency, and the latest brings another quarterback into the fold in former Ole Miss product Jordan Ta’amu.

For those who’ve been watching the XFL unfold before play was stopped due to the coronavirus, Ta’amu was likely a familiar face as one of the league’s best overall performers. As quarterback of the St. Louis Battlehawks for five games, he completed 72 percent of his passes, threw for 1050 yards, and threw 5 touchdowns against 2 interceptions. He also rushed for an additional 217 yards and 1 touchdown.

Ta’amu was recently undrafted as a quarterback out of Ole Miss, a short tenure in which he enjoyed throwing to targets like D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown. In his one full season as a starter, he threw for 3,918 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 INTs. After the season, he signed on with the Houston Texans in early August and was released by month’s end.

For the Chiefs, Ta’amu obviously represents an intriguing arm who has changed up his game or proven something since they last saw him. Ta’amu sat undrafted and unsigned as a rookie free agent from last year’s draft until the Texans signed him for the months, but general manager Brett Veach went with Kyle Shurmur and Chase Litton for that entire time. One year later, after his play in the XFL, Ta’amu suddenly gets a chance from K.C.

Does this mean something for Shurmur? Remember Chad Henne was also re-signed to a two-year deal, so this isn’t a backup spot going to the brightest young QB on the roster below Patrick Mahomes. Ta’amu looked like an exciting prospect in the XFL, so it should be another fun storyline to watch as the team heads toward OTAs and preseason action—assuming its eventually allowed.