KC Chiefs use ‘T-Rex’ as name for 4-tight end formation

If you’re into crazy offensive formations and general point-scoring fun, the K.C. Chiefs were likely already your favorite team to watch. The magic of Patrick Mahomes allows the team to experiment in myriad ways, and the creative genius of Andy Reid is always cooking up something special. The mismatches created by Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill only make things that much tougher on defenses.

Over the years under Andy Reid, the Chiefs have gotten creative with other positions outside of the familiar faces that dominate the spotlight. We’ve seen big guy touchdowns from Eric Fisher and special plays for a fullback named Sausage. Dontari Poe was even a favorite in the backfield from time to time.

However, this year will be the first in which the Chiefs go all-in on tight end. And when we say “all in”, we mean as in keeping and likely using more tight ends than any other team you’ve ever seen—including any previous iteration of the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have a name for their 4-TE set: T-Rex.

This year, the Chiefs kept four tight ends on the active roster. Yes, four. Despite the fact that they had to let some exciting young players go in order to keep them, the Chiefs went with Travis Kelce, Blake Bell, Noah Gray and Jody Fortson at the deadline for active roster cuts. It was a shock that everyone made it, although each player individually had a great case for making the cut. It’s just that the sum total of four was (and still is) shocking.

The Chiefs apparently have clear plans to use all four tight ends this season or else they wouldn’t have protected them all on the active roster, despite having to say goodbye to the likes of cornerback BoPete Keyes or defensive end Tim Ward. Check out this preseason formation that likely gave a glimpse of things to come:

When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, star tight end Travis Kelce noted that the team even has an official name for their formation when they employ all four tight ends on the field at once. It’s called T-Rex.

If the Chiefs chose to keep these guys, then we’re keen to see them in use. Here’s hoping we all get to see the next wave of offensive genius/insanity at work soon enough with some dino-themed offensive play calling here soon enough, perhaps even on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.