Has Andy Reid sent the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce a strong message by signing a new tight end to the NFL champions, as the 35-year-old continues to struggle during the first stages of the 2024/25 season?
The triple Super Bowl champion managed to gain 89 yards from seven catches against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first performance of the opening four games to the standard expected of him.
But the Chiefs aren’t willing to take the pressure off him just yet by signing a third tight end, Jody Fortson, to work with Noah Gray and Kelce as they look to improve their receiving depth as the offense continues to struggle.
“All we can do now is go back to the basics and try to get guys opportunities to succeed,” Patrick Mahomes said of the offense.
“The guys stepped up and filled in as good as they can the role that Rice has in our offense, which is a big one.”
So in light of that, Fortson, aged 28, has been promoted from the team’s practise squad after previously being a full-time member for the side between 2019-2023 where he made 14 receptions for 155 yards and four touchdowns in 19 games.
Standing at 6ft 4in and weighing approximately 103kg, he should be slightly more mobile than Kelce’s larger frame and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds,
whilst recording a 34in vertical jump and 10ft broad jump at the time of his NFL Draft in 2019 and fans approve the signing.
One user wrote on X.com, formerly Twitter, “This was a good move. The former WR now TE should be used on Monday Night Football.”
A second added, “Great moves! Excited to see TE Jody Fortson on the active roster.”
A third said, “Solid additions to the team!”
On Monday Night Football, October 7, the Chiefs will face the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium at 20:15 ET/17:15 PT, live on ESPN.
They will attempt to increase their season record to 5-0 and maintain their perfect start, while the Saints will look to win their third game of the season.
