The Kansas City Chiefs have continued to make moves at the tight end position despite the announcement that veteran Travis Kelce will return to the team for the 2025 season
The Kansas City Chiefs are shaking up their roster, particularly the tight end position, despite Travis Kelce’s confirmation that he’ll play another season with the team.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chiefs picked up a total of seven new players including standout Ohio State OT Josh Simmons in the first round and signed another seven undrafted free agents. Among the signings was Jake Briningstool, a tight end from Clemson who impressed with his collegiate stats of 127 receptions for 1,380 yards and 17 touchdowns over 48 games.
To make space on the team, head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs organization had to say goodbye to some key players from their 2024 squad. Tight ends Anthony Firkser and Baylor Cupp were cut, both of whom contributed significantly to special teams last year.
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Firkser joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans after coming out of Harvard in 2024. His offensive playing time was limited last season but over his seven-year career, he has accumulated 1,207 receiving yards and scored five touchdowns.
After the 2024 Draft, the Chiefs took on Baylor Cupp as an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech. Cupp had only one target last season, but it was during a crucial game—a close 19-17 victory for Kansas City against rivals Los Angeles Chargers in December.
Kelce reflected on his performance and aspirations in a March episode of his ‘New Heights’ podcast. He spoke openly about wanting to improve.
He said: I still feel like I can play at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don’t think it was my best outing. I think I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them.”
The seasoned player had a less than stellar season in 2024, according to his own high standards. Kelce managed to catch 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns – the latter two being the lowest in a decade.
Despite this, he secured his 10th career Pro Bowl selection. However, it was Kelce’s second consecutive season of not making an All-NFL team (he’s a career three-time First-team All-Pro and four-time Second-team All-Pro).
Backup Noah Gray proved to be a valuable asset last year, catching 40 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns. Third-stringer Jared Wiley, a 2024 fourth-round pick, didn’t see much game time. The Chiefs also brought in former Green Bay Packers standout Robert Tonyan during free agency.
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Reid spoke highly of his 35 year old tight end and anticipates his contribution next season. However, the experienced coach wants to assess his health status first.
“I’ll see when he comes back and see where he’s at,” Reid said at the 2025 league meetings. “He’s learning when to come out when he needs it….
“We were banged up at the [receiver] positions, so that doesn’t help a tight end’s cause at all. The healthier we can be around him, he can still be productive.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
