The Kansas City Chiefs‘ actions indicate they are fully aware that QB Patrick Mahomes needs more help in the pass game, but top options at multiple positions have signed with competitors in recent days.
The Los Angeles Chargers, an AFC West Division rival of Kansas City, signed former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku to a one-year contract on Monday, May 11.
“Sources: The #Chargers have agreed to terms with former #Browns TE David Njoku, giving him a 1-year deal worth up to $8M,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. “After nine years with Cleveland, Njoku moves on to catch passes from Justin Herbert in a deal done by @malkikawa of @FirstRoundMgmt.”
This is meaningful because the NFL at large is transitioning to more tight end-based heavy personnel groupings (12 and 13 personnel, which utilize two and three tight ends, respectively), and the Chiefs are one of the few teams missing the boat on that trend.
Kansas City also must contemplate the looming retirement of Travis Kelce and the need to replace him longterm. Bill Barnwell of ESPN recently questioned the team’s decision not to pursue a tight end in either free agency or last month’s draft, mentioning Njoku specifically.
“I was more surprised about the tight ends. Not only because of the number of tight ends who were available, but just sort of wondering what this offense does, how it transforms if there is any major change,” Barnwell said on Mina Kimes’ show last week. “Not that they have to follow where the league is going, but just with [running back] Kenneth Walker coming in, it felt like a natural transition. I would even say like a David Njoku, I am kind of surprised they have not reached out to [him].”
Chiefs Wanted Jauan Jennings Before He Signed With Vikings
GettyMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
Njoku was a Pro Bowler in 2023 and has amassed 384 catches, 4,062 yards and 34 TDs during his nine-year professional career. His signing in Los Angeles follows the Minnesota Vikings‘ successful recruitment of former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings last week.
Jennings was the most prized free-agent wide receiver remaining following last month’s draft, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported recently on “The Pat McAfee Show” that Kansas City pursued him.
“The Chiefs and [Washington] Commanders also were interested in Jauan Jennings,” Schefter said, noting interest from the Miami Dolphins as well. “Ultimately, he got a one-year deal from Minnesota worth up to $13 million dollars. It’s about $8 million dollars in base pay.”
Kimes and Barnwell both mentioned Kansas City as a landing spot for Jennings last week, just before he signed with Minnesota.
Jennings’ willingness to accept a one-year deal makes the loss an even bigger blow to the Chiefs, given that the wideout’s initial contract projections/reported demands figured to potentially out-price Kansas City.
Chiefs Face Roster Deficiency at Wide Receiver
GettyFree-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
The Chiefs now approach training camp with wide receiver standing out as the roster’s most obvious need. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz detailed the situation last week.
The performance of the Chiefs’ wide receivers, according to ESPN’s receiver scores last season, were significantly bad. Rashee Rice is generally believed to be one of the league’s top slot receivers, but he scored just a 49 out of 100 in an off season. Tyquan Thornton had a 36 and Xaiver Worthy just a 25. … They really must add a veteran free agent here.
One option remaining for Kansas City is a reunion with Tyreek Hill, who remains a free agent after Miami released him this offseason.
Chargers Ink Pro-Bowl TE Days After Chiefs Lose Out on Jauan Jennings