The Kansas City Chiefs have made a key move to bolster their offensive depth, signing tight end Jody Fortson to the 53-man roster. This addition gives the Chiefs more flexibility at the tight end position, where they have been building a strong unit to support their dynamic offense led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Fortson, who has spent time on the Chiefs’ practice squad and active roster in recent seasons, is known for his versatility and ability to contribute both as a pass-catcher and a blocker. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 226 pounds, Fortson has the size and athleticism to be a mismatch for defenders, especially in the red zone, where his height and wingspan make him a valuable target.
The Chiefs have shown confidence in Fortson’s potential over the past few seasons. He initially joined Kansas City as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State in 2019, transitioning from wide receiver to tight end. Despite his lack of draft pedigree, Fortson impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic and ability to adapt to a new position. His development has been closely monitored, and he has gradually earned more opportunities to contribute to the team.
Injuries have been a challenge for Fortson in the past. During the 2021 season, he suffered an Achilles injury that ended his campaign prematurely. Despite this setback, the Chiefs kept faith in his talent, re-signing him and giving him chances to prove himself. In 2022, Fortson appeared in 13 games, registering nine catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Though his stats may not jump off the page, his contributions in key moments were valuable to the Chiefs’ offense.
With this latest move, Fortson joins a talented tight end group that includes All-Pro Travis Kelce, widely regarded as one of the best at the position in NFL history. The Chiefs also have depth with players like Noah Gray, making the tight end room a position of strength.
The Chiefs’ signing of Fortson could give head coach Andy Reid more options in offensive formations, especially in two or three-tight end sets. This could prove valuable for the Chiefs as they look to maintain their dominance in the AFC and make another run at the Super Bowl.
Fortson’s journey from undrafted free agent to a key piece on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster exemplifies his perseverance and growth as a player. His versatility and continued development will be something to watch as the Chiefs move forward into the 2024 season.
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