Travis Kelce (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed a new tight end to provide competition for Travis Kelce amid the Pro Bowler’s struggles to start the 2024 NFL season.
While the Super Bowl champs have gotten off to a strong start and are going into Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints with a 4-0 record, Kelce hasn’t quite given them what they’re used to.
The star TE, who turned 35 today, was a shadow of himself over the first three games and cut an unhappy figure, which led to calls for him to be benched. Of course, Andy Reid persisted with him, and he showed glimpses of his old self against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, registering seven catches for 89 yards.
Happy 35th birthday to Travis Kelce 🤝🎂🔥 pic.twitter.com/F41fQi8GN9
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 5, 2024
Andy Reid Keen On Additional Depth At TE Amid Uncertainty Over Travis Kelce
It appears that Reid wants some more depth at TE given the worries over his star man. While they have Noah Gray, who has performed well this term, the Chiefs have also signed Jody Fortson to their active roster, announcing as much on Friday.
We have signed Practice Squad player TE Jody Fortson to an active roster contract.
We have signed CB Darius Rush to the Practice Squad. pic.twitter.com/jNY1jvoI23
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 4, 2024
Fortson returns to the Chiefs after spending the offseason with the Miami Dolphins. He was in KC from 2019-2023 but hasn’t played a regular-season game since 2022.
The 28-year-old joined the Dolphins in March; they released him in August.
Fortson has registered 155 yards and four touchdowns off 14 receptions in 19 career games. As to whether he makes an impact for the Chiefs this season remains to be seen.