Michael Burton signing proves KC Chiefs haven’t abandoned fullback position

The K.C. Chiefs made it clear that they still have a need for the occasional use of a fullback on Thursday with the reported signing of Michael Burton to a one-year deal, per Herbie Teope.

Michael Burton‘s one-year deal with the Chiefs brings him to another Super Bowl contender after playing for Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints just last year. He’s also played for the Washington Football Team and the Chicago Bears after being originally selected out of Rutgers in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

The Chiefs’ penchant for using a fullback has decreased quite a bit in the last few years, especially since Patrick Mahomes took over the starting quarterback role. In that time, the passing offense has become even more emphasized under head coach Andy Reid, and having versatile halfbacks in place instead of a specialized role makes a lot more sense in most situations.

The Chiefs still show a need for a fullback with the signing of Michael Burton.

In 2020, longtime fullback Anthony Sherman played only six percent of all offensive snaps—only 63 total—after playing as many as 36 percent of all snaps back in 2013 when he first arrived in Kansas City. Even in Alex Smith’s final season under center, Sherman was used on 18 percent of snaps, but that total has never again reached double digits in each of the last three years.

Sherman decided to retire earlier this offseason after originally stating he was ready to return to K.C. and try to win another Super Bowl. At that point, it was a question of whether or not the Chiefs would even want another fullback on the roster. Now with the signing of Burton, we have our answer.