Offensive free agents that make sense for KC Chiefs

Chiefs’ Options at Tight End

Jody Fortson (ERFA)

Chiefs fans may not realize it, but Kansas City tight end Jody Fortson will be 28 years old in December. Fortson originally came to Kansas City in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State. Despite the team’s faith in him, he’s mostly failed to deliver on his promise as a tall and athletic third tight end.

Hopes were highest in the Kingdom in 2022, as Fortson was expected to be one of Kansas City’s best red zone options. That looked to be the case early on. Fortson snagged two red zone touchdowns in the Chiefs’ first four games, but his season was largely derailed by an elbow injury.

Mike Gesicki

Despite their efforts, the Kansas City Chiefs haven’t been able to find a reliable second tight end over the past four seasons. Noah Gray did some positive things in Year Two, but it’s tough to say if he’ll take another step in 2023. If we’re honest, superstar Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger. There may come a time when he’s not quite as durable as he’s been throughout his career.

The Chiefs would do well to identify a more productive complement to Kelce. Whether or not they’d be willing to offer Mike Gesicki a multi-year deal in the $30 million dollar range depends on what they ultimately invest at wide receiver. He’s a long shot, but he’s been a productive player in five years in the NFL.