Chiefs news: Chiefs retain long snapper for the long term and more

James Winchester is likely far more meaningful to this whole run of success than anyone realizes. Maybe we should look closer.

I think we can safely speak for fans in the National Football League that the one signing set to generate the least attention on the verge of a new league year opening is the one in which the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed their long snapper, James Winchester.

According to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, the Chiefs locked up Winchester for yet another season shortly before free agency is set to open later this week.

For now, the frenzy has already begun for a new year of free agency with the start of the league's legal tampering period. Within minutes of its Monday at noon start time, news scoops were being shared all over social media as players reached agreements with new teams in order to secure their financial future.

Caught up in the news was the re-signing of Winchester, which might not seem like much on the surface—a long snapper signing never is—but the Chiefs might have something special here.

If you'll notice, Winchester has been around since 2015. On the obviously important side of this, the continuity to keep Winchester around as a reliable and proven commodity is great news for the Chiefs special teams units. Having Winchester back with Harrison Butker will help ease new punter Matt Araiza into the mix knowing he's the only one with a massive learning curve.

On the not-so-obvious side of things, however, it should be noted that Winchester himself might be a good-luck charm for the franchise. Remember, the Chiefs haven't missed the postseason since he arrived. They've not finished out of first place in the division since his second season. Now they're in the midst of what could become the greatest run of sustained success in league history, as Patrick Mahomes and company try for a three-peat.

You can't spell Winchester without "w-i=n", so maybe there's something to be said for bringing Winchester back.

Chiefs retain ERFA candidates

The Chiefs have also reached agreements (or really, tendered offers) to four players who needed the team to make some sort of overture their way to return in 2024.

Linebacker Jack Cochrane, defensive back Nazeeh Johnson, offensive lineman Mike Caliendo, and defensive end Malik Herring were all set to become restricted free agents at the start of the new league year on Wednesday. However, the Chiefs offered deals to all four, which means all will return to help flesh out the depth chart and compete for reps on the active roster.dfdea