Jody Fortson’s return gives KC Chiefs promising end zone threat

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to make moves, now tendering tight end Jody Fortson.

The new league year is nearly here, and general manager Brett Veach continues to round out the 2022 Kansas City Chiefs roster. The latest move is not controversial, and no surprise to fans. Kansas City Star’s Herbie Teope reported Tuesday evening that Kansas City is tendering tight end Jody Fortson.

Fortson was an exclusive rights free agent, a designator for few NFL free agents. Players become exclusive rights free agents (ERFA)  when they are without a contract yet have less than three accrued seasons in the league. Kansas City simply needed to offer a qualifying offer to Fortson to retain his services.

Fortson returns after an injury-shortened 2021 season when he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 6. The Valdosta State alum made the most of his opportunities in 2021, catching all his targets for 47 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 5 catches. After staying on the roster bubble prior to 2021, Fortson looked to be a new red zone threat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

After being a training camp favorite for years, Fortson will have another opportunity to prove himself. This is a no-brainer move for Kansas City. Fortson has a TE2 ceiling, only behind franchise great tight end Travis Kelce. Fans were overjoyed when Fortson made the 2021 53-man roster, after seeing his potential in the preseason.

Fortson may not be an amazing blocker but has immense receiving potential both in and out of the red zone. After questionable red zone playcalling hurt the Chiefs in the postseason, having Fortson as a jump-ball option is stellar. The only question is how well Fortson has recovered from his injury.

Do not forget, Mahomes had a 145.4 passer rating when targeting Fortson, the highest on the squad in 2021. Fortson’s return will be an immediate boost to Kansas City’s passing game and allow for less burden upon Kelce overall.