The K.C. Chiefs have searchedfor a good backup tight end to Travis Kelce for many years—and have been unsuccessful in doing so. They haven’t spent a valuable draft pick on the tight end position in a long time mostly because they’ve had so many other needs. The team has also tried to sign free agent tight ends several times in hopes of finding a long-term backup, such as Ricky Seals-Jones last offseason, but it just hasn’t worked out.
The Chiefs have been lucky because start tight end Travis Kelce has remained healthy for a very long time and they haven’t had to rely on a backup, but how much longer can the Chiefs bank on Kelce being fully healthy all the time? It’s a scary question to ask so the Chiefs should make it a priority to find some tight end depth this offseason. With that being said here are 4 free agent tight end targets for the K.C. Chiefs to consider:
Gerald Everett
Most of the tight ends the Chiefs have picked up over the years have been more of your blocking specialists who will make the occasional reception or two but former Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett is someone who could be a legitimate backup receiving tight end.
Most Chiefs fans remember Everett as the player who scored the go-ahead touchdown in the final minutes of the 2018 Chiefs-Rams showdown. Everett is not a star by any means—and the Chiefs can’t afford a star tight end—but over four seasons with the Rams, Everett has recorded 127 receptions for 1,389 yards and 8 touchdowns. Those are ideal backup tight end numbers.
While Everett was a little bit of a disappointment for the Rams considering where he was originally drafted, he’s still just 26 years old and may be able to break out a little bit more in the Chiefs offense. He also shouldn’t be super expensive if the team decides to pursue. At the same time, the logic here with the Chiefs potentially being interested with Everett could apply for most teams looking for tight end depth, which may make Everett too expensive.
Either way, Kansas City should check in on Everett’s market this offseason.