With pick No. 250 in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs selected Ball State cornerback Nic Jones to round out this year’s draft class. But had the Chiefs gone in a different direction with that pick, a Pittsburgh Steelers rookie claimed he could have been selected by Kansas City.

During an interview on the “Three Point Stance” podcast, Steelers 2023 seventh-round pick, offensive tackle Spencer Anderson, went into detail regarding his conversation with the Chiefs leading up to their final selection in the draft.

“When we were getting towards the final round of the draft, the phones start picking up more and more,” Anderson said on the June 22 episode. “Teams start reaching out, the 49ers, the Ravens, whoever it was. I had no clue that I was going to go to Pittsburgh. I was on the phone with Kansas City and I remember that Kansas City had the pick right before the Steelers. Kansas City had told me they were going to with me or a DB. If their DB went off the board, they were going to go with me. I remember, I was on the phone with Andy Reid, I was talking to him. He was just like, ‘Sit tight.’ And I was like, ‘Cool.’”

Anderson said one or two defensive backs were drafted leading up to pick 250, which made him think he was going to be drafted by the defending Super Bowl champions. That was until the Chiefs took Jones at pick 250 and the Steelers selected Anderson with the 251st pick.

“I was still supposed to be staying on the phone with Andy Reid,” Anderson continued. “He’s like, ‘You’re a heck of a player.’ And all of that stuff… and then I got a call from (Steelers general manager) Omar (Khan)… He put me on the phone with Coach Tomlin. He was like, ‘Hey, man, versatility is your calling card, so we’re going to go ahead and submit you with our next pick.’”

Chiefs Addressed Offensive Tackle After Draft

Though the Chiefs opted to select Nic Jones — who has earned rave reviews and could surprise at the NFL level — with pick 250, the team took care of their offensive tackle depth after the draft by adding some talent to the top of the depth chart through free agency.

On May 3, the Chiefs signed veteran offensive tackle Donovan Smith to a one-year deal worth up to $9 million according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

Donovan Smith an 8-Year Starter For Buccaneers

Donovan Smith, 30, entered the NFL as a second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015. Over the last eight seasons he was a full-time starter in Tampa Bay and surrendered 41 sacks in 124 career regular season starts according to PFF. In seven playoff games, one of which was the Super Bowl LV victory over the Chiefs, Smith surrendered 3 total sacks (none of which were against Kansas City).

During the 2022 season, Smith gave up a total of 31 pressures (18 QB hurries, 7 QB hits, 6 sacks) in 13 regular season starts. He also had the second-most penalties called on him among all NFL offensive linemen (12), according to Football Database. Those penalties were for offensive holding (7), false start (4), and illegal use of hands (1).

It’s also worth mentioning that Smith suffered an elbow injury during Week 1 of the 2022 regular season and played through it for the remainder of the season. He also dealt with a foot injury late in the season.

If Smith can stay healthy, he can be a serviceable starter for Kansas City at left tackle during the 2023 season. That will allow offseason addition Jawaan Taylor to remain at right tackle, which will give the offensive line stability at every position.

Kansas City Chiefs second-string interior pass rusher Tershawn Wharton tore his ACL in October of 2022.

Based on that timeline, he’s no guarantee to begin the season on the 53-man roster in Week 1 — which is less than one calendar year after his injury occurred. USA Today Chiefs Wire reporter Charles Goldman pointed this out on June 22, noting that Wharton’s ACL could open the door for reserve D-tackle Matt Dickerson to play his way onto the roster.

“Dickerson could benefit from Tershawn Wharton’s knee injury,” he wrote. “If Wharton starts training camp on the PUP list, the team could have a lot of snaps at the defensive tackle position to go around. With those snaps, comes an opportunity to impress.”

2023 Training Camp Is Matt Dickerson’s Second Chance With Chiefs

“Dickerson spent most of training camp with Kansas City in 2022, but he was released during 53-man roster cuts,” Goldman noted during the article. “The team intended to bring him back on the practice squad, but he was claimed by the Atlanta Falcons.”

“If Wharton winds up on the Reserve/PUP list to start the season, the team might not even risk Dickerson on waivers again,” he concluded, hinting that he could make the 53-man roster in place of Wharton.

This adds up, being that Dickerson is probably next up on the depth chart at Wharton’s 3-tech position — headed by superstar Chris Jones. The Chiefs are thin at defensive tackle, but they are especially weak behind Jones.

Wharton is recovering and Dickerson’s top competition in camp are relative unknowns like Daniel Wise and Phil Hoskins. Rookie Keondre Coburn and veteran Danny Shelton are nose tackles at heart, so they would be competing with Derrick Nnadi at the other DT role.

Of course, the Chiefs could also shift Charles Omenihu inside if they really get desperate. The former Houston Texans fifth rounder was mainly signed to be an edge rusher, but his versatility stood out with KC too. He’s expected to be utilized both outside and inside in 2023, although defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo might need him more on the interior to start the season.

In that scenario, head coach Andy Reid could keep another edge rusher instead of Dickerson.

Top Chiefs Bubble Candidates on the Edge in 2023

Goldman also highlighted an edge rusher that could play his way into a Week 1 job — former fourth-round draft selection Joshua Kaindoh.

“Everyone has seemingly written off Kaindoh this offseason, but it’s not unwarranted,” he began. “He’s made just three game appearances since being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft.”

“During those appearances, he has recorded no official statistics,” Goldman went on. “He was also a healthy scratch in all 20 games last season. A strong performance in training camp and the preseason could be just what the doctor ordered to get Kaindoh back on the right track. Steve Spagnuolo even said on June 1 that he was hopeful that Kaindoh would surface and show signs of improvement this offseason.”

Along with the disappointing Florida State product you have developmental rookie BJ Thompson, Malik Herring and UDFA Truman Jones as bubble candidates this summer.

Thompson should make the roster as a 2023 draft pick, but Herring and Jones will both have to fight their way on. If the Chiefs keep a sixth edge rusher after training camp, it could be a three-way battle for the final spot between Kaindoh, Herring and Jones.

KC general manager Brett Veach could also choose to bring in one more veteran addition before Week 1 — whether that’s at defensive tackle or D-end.

There aren’t too many Kansas City Chiefs free agents that are left on the open market as we approach July 1.

Defensive linemen Carlos Dunlap and Brandon Williams probably headline KC’s group of unsigned NFL veterans, but another bigger name that’s still available is running back Melvin Gordon III — who earned a Super Bowl ring in February as a member of the practice squad despite never actually appearing in a game for the Chiefs.

“I still want to play,” Gordon told sports radio host Jim Rome of “The Jim Rome Show” on June 21. “I still got some tread left on the tires.”

Gordon then detailed a conversation with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Andy, Coach Reid kind of sat me down and he told me that you still can play, you know — it’s just about the right situation,” the former first-round rusher relayed.

“I’m just staying ready,” Gordon noted later, pitching himself to any NFL franchise that’s listening. “I know what I can do, I know once I get in camp — or I get in any camp — I can turn some heads. I know what I need to do [in practice]… I’m ready to go, man, I’m staying ready.”

Ex-Chiefs’ Melvin Gordon Speaks Out for All NFL Running Backs

Gordon also made a public appeal for all NFL ball-carriers on Rome’s platform — which made headlines around the league.

“It’s just so tough for running backs right now, man,” Gordon voiced, “you have a lot of running backs that’s out there [in free agency], we just don’t get no love. It’s literally the worst position to play in the NFL right now. It literally sucks.”

Gordon is a two-time Pro Bowler and former 1,000-yard runner of the Los Angeles Chargers, and yet it feels like he’s not even a blip on anyone’s radar with current NFL stars like Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott still looking for work — among others.

“It’s hard though, it’s hard training knowing that you’re not going to be on a team,” Gordon admitted candidly. “It’s tough, mentally, but I’ve talked to some players that went through it, and just taking their advice, being a sponge — that kind of helps you get through it.”

The eight-year NFL pro sounds like he has no clue if or when he’ll get offered another job, but he’s certainly leaving the door open for any sort of opportunity at age 30. He’s not alone, as the free agency market at running back is currently deeper than ever before.

In terms of when this recent trend of not paying RBs began, Gordon had a theory on that too.

“I think after Todd [Gurley] got paid, and then Sean McVay came out and said that ‘I’ll never pay a running back again, and I’ll just use them and rotate them out,’ I think after that statement was made — and then I think they won the Super Bowl — it was just like, everybody just followed suit I think,” Gordon said to Rome.

Due to the wear and tear of the position, running backs haven’t been considered premium players for some time, but that modern-day philosophy has grown from a contingent of general managers to general practice around the league. As Gordon alluded, it’s not getting any better either.

Should the Chiefs Bring in a Veteran RB in 2023?

The Chiefs have the top half of the RB room covered in 2023, but they’re a little shallow behind second-year starter Isiah Pacheco, third-down back Jerick McKinnon and former first rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The expected RB4 is undrafted rookie Deneric Prince, an early standout of the offseason program.

KC also has a 2020 draft pick in La’Mical Perine and a 2022 UDFA in Jerrion Ealy competing for reps in camp. If they feel they need more as training camp rolls along, you could see a veteran like Gordon enter the fold.

He’s not the only option on the open market — GM Brett Veach has a long list to choose from — but he is familiar with the system and the way the Chiefs operate after his practice squad stint in 2022. It’s conceivable that experience gets him one more reserve opportunity during the upcoming season.

There was some Super Bowl chatter in Philadelphia this week as Eagles Pro Bowl defensive end and team captain Brandon Graham relived the defeat during an interview with “Sports Take with Derrick Gunn & Rob Ellis.”

“Man, it was tough because you knew it just took one stop,” Graham told Gunn and Ellis when asked about the championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. “We in there the whole time like one stop y’all, we get one stop, we got this game because Jalen [Hurts] and them boys was on fire.”

Graham added that Patrick Mahomes II and the Chiefs offense was “on fire” too, considering they outscored Philly, but he did seemingly call out the KC superstar jokingly for playing up his injury.

“[Mahomes] went in there on the sideline [and] he’s looking like he’s hurt,” Graham detailed while thinking back to their halftime mentality. “Get him, we gotta get to him. And he came out, you can tell how tough he is but that boy acted good. He sure put that face up like —[he was hurting].”

Graham let out a huge laugh, cutting short his comment as the two co-hosts joined him. Mahomes’ acting performance wasn’t his only subtle dig from the interview, however.

Eagles’ Brandon Graham Criticizes Super Bowl Turf, Says Chiefs O-Line ‘Got Blessed’

In a follow-up question, Graham was asked if the defense started to tense up at all late in the game as the Chiefs made their comeback and his response went straight to the playing conditions.

“It was more about — a little bit of the surface,” Graham voiced. “Especially us defensive line, you know, you need that traction to be able to get off the block and we was slipping a lot.”

The Super Bowl turf was criticized throughout the game on social media. For example, ex-NFL defender turned analyst Emmanuel Acho tweeted out a sequence where several players slip on the Cardinals’ turf, including Mahomes, calling it “mind blowing.”

Apparently, Graham and the Eagles have yet to truly get over the conditions in Arizona. “I don’t make excuses,” the veteran pass rusher stated, “I just know that that’s what we [were] talking about [on the sidelines].”

Despite his claims about excuses, Graham did add the following: “I’m telling you that O-line, boy, they got blessed. I’ll say that [laughs]… When we looked at the film, there was a couple of times where if Sweaty [Josh Sweat] don’t slip, boy, strip-sack! Oh my God! Especially that first drive, that first drive where he threw it across the middle to [Travis] Kelce, he was right there, man, he slipped. We could not believe it.”

“We gonna get that on the get-back,” Graham promised, hinting at a rematch. “It’s coming back. That’s coming back but, like I said, credit to Kansas City. It’s all love. Them boys, they played too.”

Later in the interview, Graham made sure to acknowledge that “they played on that surface too,” meaning the Chiefs. Although, he did note that “I heard they got the same [Tahoma 31 turf] surface that they got right there on that [Arizona] field at [Arrowhead]. And Vegas do, too” — the site of the 2024 Super Bowl.

Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl Rematch Set for Week 11

The Super Bowl rematch does finally have a date. It won’t kick off the season, as some projected. Instead, it’ll come in Week 11 on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium.

That official date is November 20, and both the Chiefs and Eagles will enter the outing fresh off a Week 10 bye.

That’s some royalty treatment right there from the NFL, who expects this matchup to be one of their top regular season games of the year. For ESPN and ABC, it’s also a massive draw on primetime.

“If we gonna win [against the Chiefs in 2023], we gotta go through the battle,” Graham concluded on Sports Take, “and so if that’s [the playing surface] they putting out, that’s what we gotta do. We gotta rise up to adversity.”

NFL teams have dispersed for summer break, and running back Kareem Hunt, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, remains a free agent.

Hunt, 27, reacted to still being a free agent during his youth football camp on Wednesday, June 21 at Willoughby South High in Ohio.

“I’m just being patient,” Hunt said via The News-Herald. “I’ve had some things come up. But right now, I’m enjoying my time with my family. I’m training and working hard and just staying ready.

“I’m not frustrated at all. It’s going to work itself out. Right now I’m just here to enjoy time with my family and show these kids a good time at this football camp. I know it’s all going to work out at the end of the day.”

When asked about potentially re-signing with the Browns — who he has played for over the last four seasons — Hunt deflected the question.

“The Browns are always going to be a team I have mad love for, but I’m not really talking about that stuff,” Hunt said according to The News-Herald. “I’m enjoying my time at this football camp and focused on my body and my mind. I’m in God’s hands and just looking forward to the next opportunity. It’ll be coming up soon, I’m pretty sure.”

Kareem Hunt Not as Fast as He Once Was: Insider

A little over four years after being cut by the Chiefs in-season, Kareem Hunt’s value is slipping as each day passes, and Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com revealed on April 9 why Hunt might still be a free agent.

“I kept hearing from the Browns that Hunt was ‘slipping’ in terms of his speed,” Pluto wrote. “He averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. Pro Football Focus ranked him 53rd out of 62 qualifying running backs.”

Hunt played in all 17 regular season games during the 2022 season for the Browns and registered 123 rushing attempts for 468 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns along with 35 receptions for another 210 yards and 1 receiving touchdown per Pro Football Reference.

It was only a matter of time before the Browns moved on from Hunt. He requested a trade back in August but was denied by the team. It was then reported by OBR’s Brad Stainbrook on October 24 that Cleveland was fielding trade offers for Hunt.

During his six-year NFL career, Hunt has had 895 rushing attempts for 4,025 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also caught 211 passes for another 1,806 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Commanders Interested in Kareem Hunt: Report

Among the teams that could potentially be interested in signing Kareem Hunt is the Washington Commanders. According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports on June 15, the Commanders “have quietly been making some preliminary inquiries behind-the-scenes” regarding Hunt.

If Hunt were to join the Commanders, he would be joining a backfield that is projected to be led this upcoming season by second-year back Brian Robinson and fourth-year back Antonio Gibson. The team also has Jaret Patterson, Jonathan Williams, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Alex Armah on its 90-player roster.

At this point, Hunt will likely wait until training camp to sign with a team. That’s when injuries could potentially plague some backfields in the NFL, which in turn could create some more opportunities for Hunt.

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill could face charges stemming from a June 18 incident for which Hill is under investigation, according to a June 22 report from NBC 6 in Miami.

“The victim in an alleged assault involving Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is willing to press charges,” NBC 6 Miami’s Monica Galarza reported, adding that the unnamed victim has “hired an attorney.”

Galarza said a new Miami-Dade police report detailing the incident at the marina at Miami’s Haulover Park “does not name Hill or the alleged victim” but does state that an argument at the marina “turned physical,” per officers at the scene.

“Sources tell us Hill was here with friends illegally fishing [prior to the incident],” NBC 6’s Heather Walker said on a TV report, adding that the victim is “not talking” publicly. NBC 6 Miami also wrote that “the report said the incident was captured on surveillance video, but footage has not been released.”

Details of Incident Involving Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill, According to Miami-Dade Police Report

On June 22, NBC 6 Miami provided more information on the Father’s Day disturbance.

“According to the [police] report, the alleged victim, who works for Kelly Fishing Fleet, was working on a charter boat at the marina in Haulover Park when he noticed two women on a fishing charter boat without permission,” NBC 6 reported.

“The alleged victim said that while he was telling the women to get off the boat, an argument broke out between employees and the group the women were with,” NBC 6 Miami wrote. “During the argument the victim said he was slapped on the back of his neck by a man, believed to be Hill.”

“The report said the man was pushed away from the victim by a member of his group before he charged at the victim and had to be restrained by several members of his group,” NBC 6 reported.

“The word ‘YES’ is typed on a section of the report that asks ‘will the victim prefer charges?'” per NBC 6 Miami.

Previous Reported Information on Haulover Marina Incident Involving Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill

On June 20, Local 10 News in Miami, Florida reported that “Dolphins star Tyreek Hill is under investigation by the Miami-Dade Police Department.”

“According to a tip received by Local 10 News, at around 6 p.m. Sunday, Hill got into some kind of disagreement with an employee of one of the charter companies based at Haulover Marina that apparently ended with Hill hitting the man,” the news story read. “It’s unclear if the man was injured, but on Monday, Miami-Dade police were seen at the marina and on Tuesday, the department confirmed an investigation was underway involving Hill.”

It was “unclear” if any sort of criminal charges would follow on June 20.

On June 21, Fox Sports 640’s Andy Slater reported that “the Tyreek Hill police investigation is over, sources say. Cops told the alleged victim he would have to go to the state attorney’s office if he decides to pursue criminal charges.”

Slater followed up: “Hill’s crew boarded a boat without permission, as I previously reported, leading to the alleged incident. Boat employees told cops that Hill said, ‘I can buy you and the boat’ and, ‘I’m No. 10 with the Miami Dolphins,’ according to a senior law enforcement source.”

The June 22 NBC 6 Miami report is the latest news update.

Hill had been fishing with his agent Drew Rosenhaus earlier that day, as seen on social media. Rosenhaus also tagged BlacktipH Fishing in his Instagram posts.

Neither Hill nor Rosenhaus has spoken on the matter that occurred after the fishing trip, per Local 10 News, but a spokesperson for the Dolphins said: “We are aware of the situation and have been in contact with Tyreek, his representatives and the NFL. We will reserve further comment at this time.”

It feels like the entire Kansas City Chiefs community is waiting on a Chris Jones extension, and according to a KC insider, the organization could be waiting on it too.

KSHB41’s Nick Jacobs has become a bit of a Chiefs expert and media insider on Twitter, and he had a theory on the current hold-up between Jones and Kansas City. On June 20, he tweeted: “Everything for the Chiefs roster wise [in my opinion] will be a waiting game until [a] Quinnen Williams deal gets done. Then Chris Jones can get his $$$ and the Chiefs then have room for whatever roster activities they want. So any vets that want legit $$ will have to wait on those dominos.”

Jacobs is referring to New York Jets rising star Quinnen Williams, of course, who is expected to join Jones near the top of the defensive tackle market after an extension of his own. Only, that extension has yet to occur.

“That doesn’t make Chris [Jones] or his agents or the Chiefs villains in this,” Jacobs added in a follow-up tweet. “It’s just the way Chris’ agents guarantee top dollar. Same way if I’m in [Patrick] Mahomes camp, I would let [Justin] Herbert and [Joe] Burrow get their contracts [first], then leapfrog that APY. Mahomes is the reason the QB market reset.”

Chiefs Insider Explains Why Chris Jones Is Waiting on Quinnen Williams & the Jets, Not the Other Way Around

After Jacobs’ initial comments, Chiefs fans wondered what would happen if Williams and his agent are waiting on Jones. The KSHB41 producer had the answer for that too.

“Jones [is a] 2× Super Bowl champion, 4-time pro bowler, 4x all-pro, Defensive POY finalist, [with] 65 career sacks,” he replied. “Williams [has] 27.5 career sacks [and is a] 1x Pro Bowler [and] 1x All-Pro.”

Jacobs then listed “2022 Next Gen Numbers” in a screenshot, providing evidence that Jones was also the more disruptive defensive lineman last season. The KC game-wrecker bested Williams in every category listed besides QB pressure rate, including total QB pressures, hurries, sacks and “turnovers caused by pressure.”

“The larger point is that each accomplishment or stat or stat ranking comes with a price tag set by the market,” Jacobs concluded later to close out this conversation. “Right now Williams doesn’t have as much banked long term. So that’s why I don’t think they would be waiting on Chris [Jones’] deal. Williams’ floor and ceiling are set.”

Latest on Jets & Quinnen Williams as Chris Jones Waits for a New Deal With Chiefs

Just the other day on June 15, ESPN NYJ beat reporter Rich Cimini predicted that the Jets would eventually sign Williams to a “four-year, $98 million extension, keeping him with the Jets through 2027.”

The NYJ insider added that it would be a “surprise” if Williams didn’t have a new deal “by the start of the season,” saying it could even happen “by the start of training camp.”

The APY on that projection is $24.5 million per year for Williams, an average Jones is expected to top. The Chiefs superstar currently makes $20 million per year according to Over the Cap.

Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald is the only interior DL that makes more than $24.5 million per year, currently, at $31.667 million per year. Jones admitted that he does not necessarily need to reset the D-tackle market — meaning surpass Donald — but The Athletic’s Nate Taylor reported that he’d like to “at least” place second.

That means waiting on Williams and the Jets, as Jacobs outlined above.

While the exact timeline on all of this is unclear, it’s in the Chiefs best interest to get this deal done soon. Jones’ extension is expected to free up cap space in 2023, which could make it possible for the franchise to orchestrate one or two final veteran acquisitions this summer.

When the Kansas City Chiefs first signed wide receiver Justin Watson to a futures deal in February of 2022, the move flew way under the radar.

Many didn’t think the 6-foot-2 pass-catcher would make the Week 1 roster, let alone appear in all 17 games in 2022 — starting five of them. With the help of Watson, the Chiefs won a Super Bowl during his first season with the team and before long, he started to get some attention from both the organization and the media.

KC general manager Brett Veach decided to re-sign the role player to a two-year contract ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, awarding him $1.08 million in guaranteed money. Now, on June 22, Sports Illustrated NFL writer Conor Orr showed Watson some rare praise by labeling him the Chiefs “most underrated” player heading into the 2023 campaign.

NFL Analyst Credits Chiefs WR Justin Watson as ‘Great Space Creator’ on Offense

Orr’s selection was somewhat unexpected, considering he picked bigger names for other AFC franchises. Generally, Watson doesn’t get this sort of hype, but Orr’s reasoning backed up his choice very wisely for readers.

“Only two Chiefs wide receivers played more snaps than Justin Watson last year,” he wrote. “Some people may call this evidence of an underwhelming receiving corps, but I strongly disagree.”

“I think Kansas City’s receiving corps is full of stylistic complements; all different body types and expertise that help Andy Reid manipulate the offense however he sees fit,” Orr went on. “Watson plays a part in that. He is also a great space creator, a player who seems to understand the offense well and can run routes in a way that clears out space or moves certain defenders.”

Orr even provided a prime example for fans, stating: “Back in Week 12 [of the 2022 season], he was matched up pretty frequently on Jalen Ramsey early in the game and would keep him isolated on one side of the field.”

Chiefs’ Justin Watson Finished 5th in KC Receiving Yards in 2022, 3rd for WRs

Only four Kansas City players had more receiving yards than Watson in 2022 — tight end Travis Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and running back Jerick McKinnon. That puts him third for the wide receiver position behind Smith-Schuster and “MVS.”

The former is no longer with the franchise, leaving Watson behind only Valdes-Scantling in terms of production for the current KC WR corps.

His 315 receiving yards last year may not have been anything outrageous, but Watson is playing the role that fans have dreamt of Justyn or John Ross taking on — and he’s doing it well. The former fifth-round selection of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had 21 yards per catch in 2022, with two touchdowns and 12 first downs.

One area Watson could improve is catch rate, however, with a low 44.1% mark with the Chiefs. That included a career-high five drops — an ugly number for any wide receiver.

It should be noted that Watson had only dropped one pass during his four seasons in Tampa Bay, albeit in a much lesser role. The 2023 campaign should be a good judge for Kansas City as they try and figure out whether or not they’d prefer to cut ties with Watson next offseason.

He’s guaranteed no money in year two of his contract, providing KC with a clear “out” should they need it. If they decide to keep Watson for the 2024 season, it would be relatively cheap — at a base salary of $1.47 million and a cap hit of $2.15 million.

Fans will have to wait a few more months for football, but they can watch Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II compete in a different arena on Saturday, June 24.

Mahomes’ third annual Aloha Golf Classic takes place from June 23-25 — with all proceeds benefiting the “15 and the Mahomies Foundation.” Not only that, but the Chiefs superstar will star in a brand new “Hole-in-One Challenge” that will be streamed live on Whatnot at 6 p.m. PST (8 p.m. CST) on the night of the 24th.

In this debut livestream event with Whatnot, “Mahomes will engage in a high-stakes hole-in-one challenge where Mahomes has 25 shots to make a hole-in-one” — per a press release shared with Heavy.

Additionally: “Whatnot will reward viewers with prizes and donate to the ‘15 and the Mahomies Foundation’ for every shot he takes. This includes a $1M contribution toward the foundation for a hole-in-one and a giveaway of a rare Patrick Mahomes NT RPA/99 BGS 8.5 sports card valued at over $40,000.”

Rare Mahomes sports cards and memorabilia, signed golf balls and more will also be auctioned off during the charity event. You can check in and watch Mahomes or participate in the live auction on his personal channel on Whatnot by following this link.

Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes ‘Excited’ to Partner With Whatnot at His Aloha Golf Classic

Within the press release detailing the “$1M Hole-in-One Challenge” at the third annual Aloha Golf Classic, Mahomes spoke on his new partnership with Whatnot — the “largest livestream shopping platform in the U.S.”

“I’m excited to open up the event for anyone to experience it live through Whatnot,” Mahomes voiced via the press release. “This event and the cause it supports is so important to me, so I’m eager to finally get the chance to bring all of my supporters along while I attempt a hole-in-one.”

Whatnot co-founder and CEO Grant Lafontaine commented on the partnership as well, stating: “We have a vibrant and engaged sports community on Whatnot and are always thinking of ways to create unique experiences and provide access to one-of-a-kind items. The Hole-in-One Challenge on Whatnot will open the door for viewers at home to get a front-row seat and a chance to win great prizes, all while supporting a great cause.”

“Founded by collectors in 2019, Whatnot has grown into the largest livestream shopping platform in the U.S. connecting buyers and sellers across collectibles, fashion, sneakers, and more,” according to the press release. “The platform introduced a new way to buy and sell sports cards by replicating the experience of in-person shopping at a shop or card show. Livestream shopping allows sellers to focus on doing what they love – interacting with their audience, selling individual cards, or running breaks.”

The release added: “Last year, over 100 Whatnot sellers achieved merchandise sales exceeding $1M each. The company is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, YC Continuity, and CapitalG, with a valuation of $3.7B.” You can visit www.whatnot.com for more information or download the Whatnot app on Android or iOS.

Patrick Mahomes’ Hole-in-One Challenge Will Be Co-Hosted by Ex-NFL Linebacker Blake Martinez

Mahomes isn’t the only NFL star involved in this Whatnot event — former Green Bay Packers and New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez is set to co-host the livestream.

Why Martinez, you ask? Well, the forward-thinking defender apparently retired from the NFL last year to pursue selling Pokémon cards full-time on Whatnot.

“Martinez’s Whatnot channel, BlakesBreaks, has successfully sold over $12M in Pokémon cards in the past year,” according to the press release, and Martinez appears to have helped pave the way for more partnerships between professional athletes and Whatnot.

The Aloha Golf Classic takes place on the Big Island of Hawai’i at courses Hōkūli’a and Mauna Lani South Course. It’s unclear which course and hole Mahomes will be attempting the $1 million hole-in-one on.

It was an eventful Father’s Day for former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins.

According to Local 10 News in Miami, Florida, “Dolphins star Tyreek Hill is under investigation by the Miami-Dade Police Department.” Reporter Ian Margol first detailed the story on June 20.

“Local 10 News has learned the wide receiver allegedly hit a man working at Haulover Marina,” Margol wrote. Per Local 10 News, the incident occurred after a “Father’s Day celebration” on a boat with included Hill and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, as seen on social media.

“According to a tip received by Local 10 News, at around 6 p.m. Sunday, Hill got into some kind of disagreement with an employee of one of the charter companies based at Haulover Marina that apparently ended with Hill hitting the man,” Margol reported. “It’s unclear if the man was injured, but on Monday, Miami-Dade police were seen at the marina and on Tuesday, the department confirmed an investigation was underway involving Hill.”

Local 10 News concluded that “it’s unclear if Hill will face any criminal charges stemming from the incident” at the time of the initial report.

Miami Dolphins Address Police Investigation Involving Tyreek Hill

Margol noted that a spokesperson for the Miami Dolphins said the following in a statement on Wednesday, June 21: “We are aware of the situation and have been in contact with Tyreek, his representatives and the NFL. We will reserve further comment at this time.”

Local 10 News also indicated they had “reached out” to Rosenhaus and his team “several times on Tuesday” but had not heard anything from the long-time sports agent and close friend of Hill.

On June 18, the Dolphins Twitter account wished “all the amazing dads out there” a Happy Father’s Day. They also posted a graphic “counting down the weeks ‘til we’re back,” meaning the NFL.

They did not tweet anything regarding Hill on June 18 or in the following days leading up to June 21.

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill & Drew Rosenhaus Share Videos From Fishing Trip on Social Media

As for Rosenhaus and Hill, both shared photos and videos from the fishing excursion. “Got in a battle for 45 min just find out it was a shark !! Good times,” Hill voiced on Twitter on June 20, with a video of him fighting with the pull of a fishing rod.

Hill also shared a photo holding a large fish, captioned: “Him ✌🏿.”

On Instagram, Rosenhaus dropped two video reels of himself swimming with and grabbing the caudal fin of a shark outside the boat. The first was captioned: “Went fishing with @cheetah and @blacktiph, @nflrecord. I decided to get up close to this Dusky Shark.”

“Don’t grab him Drew,” someone on the boat warns in the video, adding, “We don’t have good enough insurance for that.” After Rosenhaus grabs hold of the tail-end of the shark, the unknown speaker says, “OK, he grabbed him.”

They also ask Hill if he would like to jump in with Rosenhaus, to which Hill (off-camera) responds: “Hell no.”

The follow-up video shows Hill for a moment, while the photographer recaps what just happened, calling Rosenhaus a “crazy man.” That video’s caption simply tagged @blacktiph and @cheetah once again.

BlacktipH Fishing’s YouTube channel states that it “brings you some of the most exciting fishing videos on the web.”

“Our host, Josh Jorgensen, is an extreme angler who has an adrenaline seeking appetite for monster fish!” the channel bio continues. “Whether it’s catching monster fish from the beach, from a kayak or from a boat, Josh pushes the limits of big game fishing. Our content has been featured on Discovery, National Geographic, Today Show and many more!”

The Denver Broncos need all the help that they can get on offense after owning the NFL’s worst-scoring offense in 2022. With their recent signings of Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers on the offensive line, many believe that Denver is going to try and run the ball more often to take a load off Russell Wilson.

With Javonte Williams still recovering from a torn ACL dating back to Week 4 of last season, the Broncos have been linked to former Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt.

On June 16, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports made the bold prediction that the Broncos will sign Hunt before Week 1 of the regular season.

“Kareem Hunt will be only 28 years old by the time the regular season starts, so he has plenty left in the tank to help a franchise.” Sullivan added, “Hunt could come in and assume the bulk of the carries early in the year and assume a backup/change of pace role whenever Williams is healthy enough to assume more of the workload The Broncos were one of the teams linked to Dalvin Cook this offseason, so if they strike out on him Hunt would be a nice consolation prize.”

Hunt was drafted in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs back in the 2017 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Hunt led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,327 and added eight rushing touchdowns. The Chiefs running back was also named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

In 2018, Hunt was released by the Chiefs after a video surfaced of him physically assaulting a woman and kicking her while on the floor. Hunt was never charged with a crime, but was suspended eight games by the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns signed Hunt in February of 2019 and rushed for just 179 yards and two touchdowns in eight games.

Over the past four seasons with the Browns, Hunt has been the No. 2 running back behind All-Pro Nick Chubb. In that time span, Hunt has averaged 468.5 yards on the ground and four trips to the endzone.

Hunt has also averaged 33 receptions for 243.3 yards in the air.

Insider Lists Denver as Possible Suitor

There have been plenty of reports that the Broncos could be looking to add another running back to their room and Denver has been named as a possible suitor for Hunt, per Jordan Schultz.

“A scout told me that his pass protection alone elevates his value.”

Back on May 6, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on Sports Center that the Broncos are “a team to watch” in the Hunt sweepstakes.

Update on Javonte Williams

On May 14, Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke to the local media and gave some positive news surrounding Williams.

“We expect him to be ready for the start of training camp and that’s good news.” Payton continued, “His rehab is going well.”

If Williams is not ready for the start of training camp, he would have to the PUP list.

“We’re hopeful that he’s someone that might not have to go to PUP.”

Last season, Williams finished with just 204 rushing yards and 76 receiving and failed to find the endzone.

As a rookie, Williams proved that he could be the starting running back for the Broncos moving forward. The former North Carolina Tar Heel rushed for 903 yards and scored four touchdowns while ranking atop the NFL in broken tackles.

After winning the Super Bowl in February, the Kansas City Chiefs have had to make some difficult decisions — whether that’s letting a key contributor walk in free agency or releasing a veteran team leader like Frank Clark.

These are moves that successful franchises have to make in order to stay successful, but they also have to draft well and find talent on the cheap. According to a recent Pro Football Focus prediction, KC general manager Brett Veach has done that heading into 2023.

PFF’s Jim Wyman detailed the site’s “All-Breakout Team” for the upcoming season, and two key Chiefs pieces made the list — wide receiver Kadarius Toney and cornerback Trent McDuffie. The former was acquired for far less than his original draft status in a trade with the New York Giants, while the latter was traded up for in round one of the 2022 NFL Draft. And both should be integral toward Veach’s plans moving forward.

Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney & CB Trent McDuffie Make PFF’s All-Breakout Team in 2023

Toney was one of three wideouts to make the roster, as Wyman chose to “reflect the way the modern NFL is played” with a three-WR set and a nickel CB look on defense. The other two were Drake London and Christian Watson, of the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers.

“With all the noise surrounding Toney’s departure from the New York Giants and his Super Bowl run with the Chiefs, it’s hard to believe he’s entering just his third season in the NFL,” the PFF analyst noted. “Toney wasn’t able to make it work in New York, but he seemed to be more at home in Andy Reid’s offense, as he put up an 80.4 receiving grade in his limited time with the Chiefs.”

“With a lack of high-end receiving options in Kansas City and a full offseason to get acclimated to the system, Toney could be in for a big year,” Wyman voiced.

Like Toney, McDuffie was one of three predicted breakouts at his position. This time, the other two were Buffalo Bills’ Kaiir Elam and Cleveland Browns’ Martin Emerson.

“While seventh-rounder Jaylen Watson received a lot of attention for his explosive plays as a rookie, McDuffie was quietly the more reliable rookie corner for the Chiefs amidst their Super Bowl run,” Wyman explained while talking about the 22-year-old defensive back.

“After returning from a hamstring injury that knocked him out of action for six weeks, McDuffie started every game and put up a 74.9 defensive grade and 75.1 coverage grade,” he went on. “McDuffie’s versatility to play both outside and in the slot (536 snaps outside vs 247 as a slot corner) will make him a valuable member of the secondary as the Chiefs attempt to defend their Super Bowl title.”

Health Will Be Key for Potential Chiefs’ Breakouts Kadarius Toney & Trent McDuffie

As Wyman pointed out, McDuffie missed six games as a rookie. His fellow predicted breakout, Toney, was sidelined for seven in year one plus another eight in year two.

Needless to say, health will be paramount to both their chances of making good on Wyman’s offseason prediction. Ironically, the hamstring is the greatest concern for each.

That’s the muscle that kept McDuffie out from Week 2 through 7 in 2022, and it’s also the muscle that has flared up on Toney numerous times throughout his early NFL career. So, keeping those hammys loose will be priority number one around Chiefs camp this summer.

If Toney and McDuffie manage to stay healthy, it’s hard to envision a world where either of them totally flops on the field. The talent is clear as day for each prospect, and having pieces around them like Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes II and Steve Spagnuolo certainly helps their chances.

Free agent defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2022 season, remains unsigned as the NFL heads into summer break. While it’s unknown where he will play in 2023 — if he does play at all — Dunlap, 34, has made it known there’s at least one team he’s willing to play for:

The Chiefs, of course.

Speaking to Jeff Fedotin of Forbes, Dunlap expressed interest in rejoining the defending Super Bowl champions.

“The Chiefs obviously have a special spot for me because they were the first team to help me win a playoff game and to win a Super Bowl,” Dunlap told Fedotin on June 20. “So that would be a great opportunity.”

Carlos Dunlap a Tenured NFL Veteran

Carlos Dunlap, 33, entered the league as a second-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. He went on to play 10 full seasons for the Bengals, registering 82.5 sacks, 227 quarterback hits and 103 tackles for loss.

After being traded to the Seattle Seahawks on October 29, 2021, Dunlap signed a one-year deal worth up to $8 million with the Chiefs during the 2022 offseason.

As a rotational piece of Kansas City’s defense, Dunlap played in all 17 regular season games for the Chiefs during the 2022 season and registered 12 quarterback hits, 6 tackles for loss and 4 sacks while playing 50% of the team’s defensive snaps. During the team’s recent Super Bowl run he played in all three playoff games and had 4 quarterback hits and 2 tackles.

As it stands, Kansas City’s defensive end room consists of George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Mike Danna, Joshua Kaindoh, Malik Herring, BJ Thompson, and Truman Jones.

Though running it back with Dunlap would be a great re-addition for Kansas City’s defensive line, the team would need to free up some cap space first. According to Over the Cap’s effective cap space (the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster), the Chiefs currently have $652,557 in cap space.

Chiefs 2023 Free Agency Tracker

Here is a list of the players the Chiefs have signed during free agency thus far (excluding undrafted rookies), along with their contracts according to Over the Cap:

• OT Jawaan Taylor (4 years, $80 million)
• DE Charles Omenihu (2 years, $20 million)
• S Mike Edwards (1 year, $3 million)
• LB Drue Tranquill (1 year, $5 million)
• DT Tershawn Wharton (1 year, $2 million)
• OL Nick Allegretti (1 year, $2.5 million)
• OL Prince Tea Wanogho (tendered)
• TE Jody Fortson (tendered)
• QB Shane Buechele (tendered)
• DT Derrick Nnadi (1 year, $1.2 million)
• TE Blake Bell (1 year, $1.1 million)
• DT Byron Cowart (1 year, $1.08 million)
• DT Phil Hoskins (1 year, $940,000)
• S Deon Bush (1 year, $1.3 million)
• WR Richie James (1 year, $1.2 million)
• WR Justin Watson (2 years, $3.5 million)
• QB Blaine Gabbert (1 year, $1.1 million)
• RB Jerick McKinnon (1 year, $1.16 million)
• OT Donovan Smith (1 year, $3 million)
• OT Sebastian Gutierrez (1 year, $870,000)
• CB Lamar Jackson (1 year, $940,000)
• DT Matt Dickerson (1 year, $1.08 million)
• DT Chris Williams, (1 year, $940,000)
• WR Kekoa Crawford

Here are the former Chiefs players that remain free agents:

• DE Carlos Dunlap
• DT Brandon Williams
• LB Darius Harris

For 2020 first-round running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, it truly is a “make-or-break” campaign heading into year four of his rookie contract.

After his fifth-year option was officially declined in May, “CEH” will become a free agent following the 2023 season — barring a mutual extension at a later date. And considering how free agent RBs have been paid the past couple of years, especially ones with an injury history, that’s not a great place to be coming off two sub-600 rushing yard campaigns.

USA Today Chiefs Wire writer Charles Goldman agreed, naming Edwards-Helaire as Kansas City’s top “make-or-break” candidate in 2023.

Chiefs Analyst Explains Clyde Edwards-Helaire Selection for ‘Make-or-Break’ Label in 2023

“Edwards-Helaire hasn’t lived up to the billing when the Chiefs made him a first-round draft pick back in 2020,” Goldman began during the USA Today compilation piece.

“His biggest issue has been his inability to stay on the field through a full 17-game NFL season,” he voiced. “Last year, he lost his starting role to seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco.”

Goldman also noted the fifth-year option being declined, concluding: “If he’s to remain in Kansas City beyond the 2023 NFL season, he’s going to need to contribute frequently and remain healthy over the course of a full season.”

CEH only appeared in 10 games the past two years, with a career-high 13 outings as a rookie. That also led to a career-high in rushing yards, with 803 and five total touchdowns (1,100 scrimmage yards).

So long as Pacheco and veteran Jerick McKinnon are healthy in 2023, it’s unlikely that Edwards-Helaire will get the touches he needs to have a true renaissance season in year four. Without that, it’s hard to know how much of a market the former LSU playmaker would have around the league.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid Says Clyde Edwards-Helaire Is ‘Obviously’ Talented

When Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke at mandatory minicamp on June 15, he was asked about Edwards-Helaire’s return during OTAs and minicamp.

“I thought Clyde came back in good shape,” Big Red replied, adding that it was “great for him to get all of the [extra] reps that he did” with Pacheco and McKinnon either sidelined or absent.

“He did a nice job with it,” Reid went on. “Obviously, he’s talented, so really for all [of] those running backs it’s just a matter of getting out there — when things are flying, especially around their legs, and they got to make sure that they keep that — but he’s proven that he’s good with all that too.”

It was a somewhat cryptic answer from the Chiefs head coach, who first supported CEH before rambling a bit toward the end of his response.

It’s hard to be in someone’s corner 100% when you know they’ve dropped on the depth chart. Edwards-Helaire was once the unquestioned starter, hand-picked by general manager Brett Veach and quarterback Patrick Mahomes II — or so the rumors say.

Now, he’s the team’s clear number three ball-carrier behind Pacheco and McKinnon, with another promising UDFA in Deneric Prince pushing him for that role in training camp.

Edwards-Helaire is well-liked around the locker room — he does and says the right things. On a competitive roster like this one, however, that only gets you so far. At some point, he’s going to have to start impressing on the field once again, reminding both the Chiefs and the NFL why he was drafted at No. 32 overall.

First-Team All-Pro is an honor unlike any other. It represents the best of the best at every NFL position, and only one starter is named for each role (includes three WRs, two EDGEs, two DTs, three LBs, two CBs).

In 2022, four Kansas City Chiefs made the First-Team All-Pro roster — Patrick Mahomes II, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and Tommy Townsend. No team matched them in total number of representatives.

Heavy on NFL insider Matt Lombardo predicted the First-Team All-Pro roster in 2023, and two Chiefs were selected — although he didn’t include special teams in the article. Notably, Mahomes was not picked to earn his third First-Team All-Pro nod, and neither was Kelce.

Instead, offensive linemen Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney made Lombardo’s list. If this prediction came to pass, it would be both Humphrey and Thuney’s first time making the NFL’s First-Team All-Pro.

NFL Insider Explains Chiefs’ Predicted 2023 First-Team All-Pro Representatives, Creed Humphrey & Joe Thuney

Here was what Lombardo had to say about his selections of Humphrey and Thuney.

“Creed Humphrey is the most consistently dominant young center in this league. Full stop,” Lombardo wrote. “Humphrey is a complete mauler as a run-blocker, producing an elite 91.1 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, and a stonewall in pass protection, where he didn’t allow a single sack last season, with just one surrendered through the first two seasons of his career.”

“Maybe more impressive than the fact that Humphrey allowed just 21 quarterback hits is that he was flagged for only 4 penalties in 1,138 snaps in 2022,” he continued. “Humphrey is an ascending talent and perhaps next in line to be a permanent All-Pro fixture.”

For Thuney, Lombardo voiced: “Joe Thuney has been a stalwart of consistency throughout his career, and he has elevated his game to new heights since arriving in Kansas City in 2021. Last season, Thuney was instrumental in keeping Mahomes upright, allowing only one sack and 15 total pressures. That kind of consistency up front makes it easy for a freelancer like Mahomes to create big-play opportunities.”

Eagles’ Jalen Hurts Beats Out Patrick Mahomes, 1 Ex-Chief Makes Lombardo’s First-Team All-Pro Roster

If you’re wondering who beat out Mahomes in Lombardo’s projection, it was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts — the runner up in the 2023 Super Bowl.

“Hurts very nearly stole the MVP and a first-team All-Pro slot from Patrick Mahomes last season, but the stage seems set for the 24-year-old to make another significant stride in his development,” the insider reasoned. “Given that this will be Hurts’ second season throwing to dynamic receiver A.J. Brown, as well as DeVonta Smith’s third NFL season (when receivers typically begin to peak), all of the pieces are in place for Hurts to take his game and the Eagles’ outlook to new heights.”

At tight end, Lombardo selected Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson, who he expects to build off his 2022 run with Vikes.

One former Chiefs starter made the roster prediction as well, cornerback Charvarius Ward, who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers.

“The San Francisco 49ers boast one of the most talented defenses in the league, and the best defensive back on the roster might be Charvarius Ward, who is criminally underrated outside the Bay Area,” Lombardo stated.

“Opposing quarterbacks managed only an 88.2 passer rating when targeting Ward last season, and receivers had little room to operate, averaging just 11 yards per catch,” he went on, concluding: “Given the combination of the 49ers’ ferocious front-seven and Ward’s prowess in man coverage, the stage could be set for the 27-year-old to have a career year in 2023.”

We already know that Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones skipped mandatory minicamp because he wants a contract extension. But when he also missed the team’s ring ceremony on Thursday, June 15, members of Chiefs Kingdom grew concerned over Jones’s relationship with the team during his holdout.

But Chris Jones cleared the air on June 19 regarding the star defender missing the ring ceremony.

Responding to a tweet from a concerned Chiefs fan that tweeted, “I understand contract talks and all but why wouldn’t @StoneColdJones still show up for the ring ceremony??” Jones issued a three-word response that will calm all of Chiefs Kingdom.

“I was sick,” Jones wrote.

Chris Jones Will Get a Contract Extension This Summer

Chris Jones, 28, is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million deal with Kansas City and has a $28.2 million cap hit for the 2023 season according to Over The Cap.

The most efficient way to lower his cap number for at least the 2023 season would be to hand Jones a contract extension, which would give him yet another payday but would also push his cap hits down the road. Kansas City would eventually have to address those cap hits as it has to this off-season under Jones’ current deal. But an extension would provide cap relief for the team for the next year or two while also making their star defender happy.

According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic on March 2, Jones wants a contract extension that makes him “at least” the second highest-paid player at his position.

That means the defending Super Bowl champions will have to give Jones a deal that exceeds Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons’, as Simmons received a four-year, $94 million extension this off-season which includes $66 million in total guarantees per Over The Cap.

According to Over The Cap’s effective cap space (the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster), the Chiefs currently have $652,557 in cap space.

Brett Veach Speaks About Chris Jones Extension

Speaking to the media at the ring ceremony, Kansas City general manager Brett Veach was asked about Chris Jones holding out of minicamp and did not appear to be concerned about reaching an agreement with Jones prior to training camp.

“We have great communication and there’s a lot of time before camp,” Veach said via Harold R. Kuntz of Fox 4 in Kansas City. “[I] feel good about where we’re going to be with Chris. We’ll get to celebrate tonight and have a good time, break tomorrow, and I’m sure we’ll have great dialogue from now to the start of training camp and look forward to Chris being here not just for next year, but for a long time.”

When asked if he had a specific deadline in mind to get the deal done with Jones, Veach was noncommittal.

“Not really,” Veach said. “Listen, we have a long history together and we have a great relationship with his agent. I mean, these things usually get worked out right before [or] right during the first start of camp so we anticipate the same, and we’ll see how it goes.”

In the modern NFL, it seems the key to success rests on having an explosive offense.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs were two of the more prolific offenses in the league in 2022, and they met in the Super Bowl.

So, too, were the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams the prior year, along with the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills who squared off for the Lamar Hunt Trophy in January 2022.

There’s little reason to doubt that having an explosive offense won’t be integral to playing for the Lombardi come February 2024.

Here’s a look at which offenses have the chance to be the top-10 most explosive in the NFL during the 2023 season:

1) Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles return the MVP runner-up, Jalen Hurts, and prolific weapons such as wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, along with dynamic pass-catching tight end Dallas Goedert. Not only does Philadelphia return loads of star power on offense, but the Eagles also added a pair of versatile running backs in D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny to an already explosive offense over the offseason.

Last season, the Eagles finished second in points per game, while producing 107 explosive passing plays with 44 explosive runs, and that’s with Hurts missing two games due to a shoulder injury.

Given the combination of Hurts’, and his continued improvement as his career has progressed, an electrifying supporting cast, and arguably the game’s most dominant offensive line, the Eagles’ offense has all the ingredients to launch a historic 2023 season.

2) Miami Dolphins

Few things are more dangerous in the NFL than speed, and the Dolphins have it all over the place on offense.

Last season, only the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills had a higher Yards per Play average than the Dolphins’ 6.0.

Meanwhile, with Tyreek Hill entering his second season in head coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme, and Jaylen Waddle his third NFL season, there might not be a more dynamic receiving duo in the league this fall.

Perhaps the only thing that held the Dolphins’ offense in check last season was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s battle with multiple concussions that cost him four games in 2022. If Tagovailoa can stay healthy, the Dolphins have all the pieces to be one of the more difficult offenses to defend in the entire league.

3) Kansas City Chiefs

The 2022 season, and the departure of Tyreek Hill, were proof positive that so long as Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs’ quarterback, Kansas City’s offense is going to be among the most explosive in the sport.

For Mahomes and Co. this season, the question will become whether the offense can build on a campaign that saw the Chiefs lead the league in scoring and Yards per Play, or if the rest of the league can find some way to neutralize the likes of receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling?

It would be a fool’s errand to bet against the Chiefs, especially as running back Isiah Pacheco enters his second season, and general manager Brett Veach sunk significant resources into beefing up the offensive line in front of Mahomes.

4) Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow remains one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the NFL today, boasting a balanced and deeply explosive supporting cast, and the Bengals went out and added elite offensive tackle Orlando Brown and consistent pass-catching tight end Irv Smith. Cincinnati isn’t going anywhere.

While the Bengals were only middle of the pack in total explosive plays in 2022, only seven teams averaged more than Cincinnati’s 26.1 points per game, and Ja’Marr Chase’s ability to both take the top off a defense as well as turn a routine screen play into a double-digit gain are the hallmark of this offense.

Burrow is still ascending. Each year that Burrow and Chase get to play together it seems this duo becomes more prolific. That’s bad news for the rest of the league.

5) Buffalo Bills

A crucial key to making the upper echelon of this list is boasting a prolific quarterback-receiver duo, and the combination of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs remains one of the game’s most explosive.

Buffalo finished the 2022 campaign second in Yards Per Play Average, second in scoring, and Allen led the seventh-most prolific passing offense in the NFL, averaging 258.1 yards per game. Diggs was a critical factor in the Bills’ offensive success, averaging 13.2 Yards per Catch, and 3.9 Yards After the Catch per reception, with Allen posting a nearly perfect 124.3 passer rating on his 149 targets.

The problem for the Bills, at least down the stretch, has been this offense tends to devolve into boom-or-bust territory, and in order to take the next step toward winning a championship, more depth of explosiveness and consistency will be key.

6) Seattle Seahawks

Few teams have done a better job of collecting dynamic talent at the wide receiver position in recent years than the Seahawks, and if Geno Smith is able to build on a stellar 2022 campaign, this is going to be a team to watch in 2023.

Seattle has clearly prioritized explosiveness at receiver, selecting dynamic former Ohio State Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Jjigba in the first round of April’s draft, after already boasting Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. The pair of Seattle veterans combined for 2,081 yards with 15 touchdowns last season. Throw in Kenneth Walker dashing to a 1,050-yard and 9-touchdown campaign, and this offense is nightmare fuel for opposing defensive coordinators.

7) Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys‘ season ended with a whimper in San Francisco, one of the more bizarre play designs you’ll ever see, on the final play of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game. But, thanks to some marquee additions, Dallas aims to light up the scoreboard and dictate to opposing defenses in 2023.

Dallas stole Brandin Cooks for a song (a fifth-round pick, in a trade with the Houston Texans), and the savvy speedster could be an ideal complement to CeeDee Lamb the Cowboys lacked last season. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard taking on an expanded role in the backfield alongside reliable veteran Ronald Jones should create opportunities for more explosive runs.

Last season, Pollard had 31 explosive runs. If he can return to form following a fractured fibula, it will give the Cowboys’ offense a major boost.

8) New York Jets

On paper, the Jets have all the trappings of an offense that could emerge as one of the league’s most explosive; Aaron Rodgers’ arrival at quarterback, Garrett Wilson blossoming in his second NFL season, Breece Hall returning from a torn ACL … But, some inside the league are skeptical that this team is ready to take flight.

“Are we wholly sure the Jets will be that explosive,” an AFC South Scout told Heavy. “Aaron isn’t known for taking risks downfield, which is where the explosive plays come from, and Hall is coming off an ACL. Aaron may be the most risk-averse great quarterback out there.”

To the scout’s point, Rodgers finished 2022 ranked 18th in the NFL in Air Yards per Attempt, averaging just 3.9, and it remains to be seen if Hall can return to his dynamic form immediately post-injury. The Jets will undoubtedly be better, might compete for a playoff berth — or more, but it remains to be seen if the hype around this offense being more explosive is merited.

9) Los Angeles Chargers

Will this be the season, with Kellen Moore arriving as offensive coordinator, that Justin Herbert leads the Chargers on a charge to the upper echelon of the AFC?

Los Angeles certainly has the weapons; first-round pick Quentin Johnston rounds out an embarrassment of riches at receiver, alongside Mike Williams (14.2 Yards per Reception) and Keenan Allen (11.8 Yards per reception), with touchdown-maker Austin Ekeler in the backfield.

Giving Herbert, and his mammoth arm, more weapons is a sound strategy. Versatility in target share should help this offense light up the scoreboard in 2023.

10) Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens took care of Lamar Jackson this offseason, and not just by making him the highest-paid quarterback in league history.

Baltimore made a big splash by signing veteran field-stretcher Odell Beckham Jr. and also drafted speedster Zay Flowers, who averaged 15.3 Yards per Reception over the course of his collegiate career at Boston College. While Mark Andrews remains, as a prolific red-zone weapon and security blanket over the middle for Jackson, added speed on the perimeter should allow Jackson to take advantage of the deep ball more often in 2023.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jody Fortson has been rising through the ranks over the past few years, first entering the league as a developmental UDFA out of Valdosta State University in 2019.

The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher didn’t factor in a regular season game until 2021 — catching two touchdowns and three first downs — but he took another nice step forward in 2022. Fortson was targeted by Patrick Mahomes II 13 times last year, with nine catches for 108 yards and another two touchdowns.

More importantly, he logged a career-high 184 snaps on offense with another 181 on special teams. It’s been a slow grind for Fortson — who recently voiced that he’s ready for a larger role in 2023 — but KC media insider Pete Sweeney relayed an intriguing minicamp development on the third-string TE on June 14.

“CB Jaylen Watson broke up a Mahomes pass to TE Jody Fortson in the EZ [endzone] during 11s [11-on-11 drills], but Fortson quickly came back to score moments later on a pass from [Blaine] Gabbert,” the Arrowhead Pride reported tweeted. “He high-pointed another ball later during the workout, and he looks healthy as ever.”

Sweeney added that “fans should be excited about [No.] 88” — which is Fortson.

Chiefs’ Jody Fortson Keeps Finding Ways to Stand Out in Crowded TE Room

Fortson is now a two-time Super Bowl champion heading into his age-27 campaign, and he’s earned each of those rings.

Head coach Andy Reid fields one of the deepest tight end rosters in the NFL. Even making the team is an accomplishment, but sticking with the organization for four years and turning yourself into a weekly contributor is even more impressive.

Having said that, there’s still plenty of competition for Fortson between unquestioned starter Travis Kelce, talented 2021 draft pick Noah Gray, veteran blocking tight end Blake Bell, and promising youngsters like Matt Bushman and Kendall Blanton. That training camp battle should bring out the best in Fortson, as well as the others, but his strengths are more unique than most.

Fortson has improved as a blocker over time, and his height and length in the red zone create matchup problems for opposing defenses. That factor alone bodes well for the KC veteran who has steadily risen in production every season since joining the organization.

We’ll see if that trend continues in 2023 — 108 receiving yards being the mark to beat.

Chiefs Analyst Details Jody Fortson’s ‘Elite’ Run-Blocking in 2022

As mentioned above, Fortson’s ability as a blocker has made some major strides in recent years. USA Today Chiefs Wire reporter Charles Goldman even referred to his 2022 run-blocking as “elite” on May 30.

“In 2021, Fortson appeared on the field for just 15 run-blocking snaps in Kansas City,” Goldman informed. “He saw more than quadruple the run-blocking snaps the following season.”

Continuing: “Among tight ends with 80 or more run-blocking snaps in 2022, Fortson managed the eighth-highest run-blocking grade in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. Over 60% of his run-blocking snaps came on zone running schemes, while just under 20% of his snaps came on gap/power schemes.”

Goldman also noted that this led to Coach Reid activating Fortson in favor of Bell in the AFC championship game and the Super Bowl.

“Given that the Chiefs played one of the highest rates of 12- and 13-personnel looks in 2022, it’s reasonable to expect that Fortson could find himself on the field even more in 2023,” he concluded. More reason to be “excited” for year five.

It’s officially summer break for the Kansas City Chiefs, and that means relaxing and catching up on some sleep — right?

Not if you’re MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. During his June 15 press conference at the conclusion of mandatory minicamp, Mahomes was asked if he communicates with head coach Andy Reid and his staff over the short summer vacation, or if they leave each other alone. His answer was downright hysterical.

“I try to leave [Reid alone] and then he always calls me at the most random times,” Mahomes replied. “Like he’ll call me at like 4 a.m. and I’m just like — ‘Coach, I’m sleeping.’ He’s up [though]. He saw a play that he likes [and] he wants to talk to me about [it].”

After some laughs around the room, Mahomes added that he loves Reid’s passion for the game. “We love football and that’s why we get to come up with these creative plays,” he noted, “because he’s always working.”

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Previews Netflix Docuseries

Mahomes also fielded questions on a new Netflix docuseries that he’s starring in called, “Quarterback.”

“The eight-episode series follows quarterbacks who, for the first time ever, are mic’d up for every single game, from the beginning of the 2022 season to its conclusion,” Netflix writer Cole Delbyck detailed. “And it’s not just life on the field, either: Quarterback takes fans from inside the huddle to inside players’ homes, showing how they navigate the pressures of their professional and personal lives.”

Mahomes shared the trailer on June 14, voicing: “Everybody sees the game days. They don’t see the day-to-day grind.”

“I wanted to for sure be able to have some editing rights, cause I’ve realized that I’m kind of wild on the field,” Mahomes joked while discussing the QB series. “I don’t even remember the things that I say but I’m a competitor, that’s just who I am.”

He added that “it was cool to be able to go through [the production] process,” teasing that he’s watched most of it and fans will love the behind-the-scenes look that Netflix provides.

The Netflix-only docuseries will be available to stream beginning on July 12. The 2022 season follows Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota.

As for Coach Reid, he told reporters that “I don’t know if I’ll watch it,” with a chuckle, admitting: “But [Mahomes] handled himself right [throughout filming it], so it didn’t affect anybody.”

Patrick Mahomes Shows Off Chiefs Super Bowl Rings, Seemingly Clapping Back at Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase

In case you missed it, Mahomes did seemingly respond to Cincinnati Bengals superstar WR Ja’Marr Chase’s “Pat Who?” comment with an epic mic-drop tweet.

“That’s Who 💍💍,” Mahomes wrote, with a photo flaunting his two Super Bowl rings.

The latest chapter in the Chiefs-Bengals drama stemmed from Bengals QB Joe Burrow stating that Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league right now. Chase was then asked if he agrees, to which he replied: “Pat Who?”

The show of loyalty is not surprising from Burrow’s LSU and Cincy teammate, but the response was a bit juvenile considering Mahomes is the reigning NFL and Super Bowl MVP. Burrow’s Bengals have beaten the Chiefs in the past, of course, but modern-day sports are all about recency.

Right now, Kansas City sits on the throne once again, and taking down Mahomes and company won’t be easy in 2023. The winner will earn another one of these.

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt is still available on the open market, along with several other big-name veteran RBs.

It’s been a slow-developing market at the position considering the wide gap between what players seemingly want to get paid, and what NFL front offices are willing to pay them. Because of that, a lot of established contributors like Hunt are stuck in no man’s land, waiting on the next chapter of their respective careers to begin.

There was a rumbling regarding Hunt on June 15, however, as CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that “I’m told the [Washington] Commanders have quietly been making some preliminary inquiries behind-the-scenes on free agent RB Kareem Hunt, per league source.”

“We’ll see if this leads to an opportunity for Hunt with Washington,” she added. Anderson’s tweet was the first legitimate news on the ex-Chiefs star playmaker in quite some time.

Ex-Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt & Eric Bieniemy Could Reunite With Commanders

This report does make some sense, considering Hunt’s former offensive coordinator (2018) and running backs coach (2017) is now overseeing the Commanders offense. That, of course, is current Washington OC and assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy.

Hunt ran for 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns with Bieniemy as his RBs coach during his rookie season and made the Pro Bowl — entering the league as a third rounder out of Toledo. He registered 1,782 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns that year and was a legitimate star in Kansas City.

Hunt was in the process of putting together another stellar campaign in 2018 (824 rushing yards, 378 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns in 11 games) when he was released by the Chiefs due to an incident in Cleveland that was caught on video.

After an initial suspension by the league, Hunt eventually returned as a member of the Cleveland Browns, spending the next four years as a tandem-back for Nick Chubb. His best season with the Browns amounted to 1,145 scrimmage yards and 11 total TDs in 2020, but the other three campaigns were nowhere near that level of production.

With Bieniemy, Hunt could hope to regain some of the magic he once displayed in KC, while the Commanders would add experience inside a young RB room.

Washington has six running backs on the roster at the moment according to their website, four of which are under the age of 25 (Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, Jaret Patterson and rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr.). The vets of the unit are fullback Alex Armah and seven-year NFL journeyman Jonathan Williams.

It’s a pretty strong group, but one that might be missing familiarity within the system. After all, coaches always like to bring in their own guys when they take over during a regime change, and Bieniemy — a former NFL running back and RBs coach in his own right — was pretty much handed the keys to the entire Washington offense this spring.

Chiefs RB Room Could Still Be Looking to Add More Talent

Former Los Angeles Rams draft pick Darrell Henderson was reportedly present at Chiefs mandatory minicamp on a tryout basis. Although he has yet to sign, his attendance signals that KC is still considering another RB addition ahead of training camp.

Behind second-year starter Isiah Pacheco, the current unit includes former first-round talent Clyde Edwards-Helaire, veteran third-down back Jerick McKinnon, promising undrafted rookie Deneric Prince, former New York Jets draft pick La’Mical Perine and 2022 UDFA Jerrion Ealy.

That’s not a bad group by any means, but there is room for improvement.

The organization is unlikely to consider Hunt — based on optics — but they might be willing to bring in someone like Henderson on the cheap. Outside of the really big names, ex-Chiefs RB Darrel Williams and former division rivals like Kenyan Drake, Royce Freeman and Justin Jackson headline the list of cost-effective ball-carriers that are still available in free agency.

Free agent cornerback Marcus Peters visited with the Las Vegas Raiders on May 15 according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. On June 14, Tafur and The Athletic’s Tashan Reed honed in on the chances of Peters — who was drafted by and played three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs — joining forces with the Raiders.

“Those guys may be competing for one starting job, as the Raiders seem likely to sign veteran cornerback Marcus Peters before training camp,” Tafur and Reid wrote. “Peters came in for a visit last month and, according to league and team sources, the two sides have stayed in touch as Peters tests the market. The Raiders have other veteran cornerbacks on their list, but Peters could very likely sign with the team that he grew up rooting for as a kid in Oakland.”

Peters, 30, was the 18th overall pick by the Chiefs in the 2015 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he was named the AP’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, an All-Pro, and received a Pro Bowl nod after accumulating 53 tackles, 26 passes defended, 8 interceptions, and 2 pick-sixes in 16 regular season games played according to Pro Football Reference.

During his six seasons in the NFL, which has included stops with the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens, Peters has been named an All-Pro three times and Pro Bowler three times. After missing the 2021 season due to a torn ACL during practice, Peters returned to action in 2022 and recorded 40 tackles, 16 stops, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception in 13 regular season games played for the Ravens per PFF.

Marcus Peters a Plug-And-Play Starter for Raiders

Outside of Nate Hobbs, the Raiders don’t have any cornerbacks on the roster that are locked in as a starter heading into next season. Because of that, adding a player like Marcus Peters, who could be dropped into Las Vegas’ starting lineup and be serviceable in the short term, makes sense for Kansas City’s division rival.

But Las Vegas needs to free up some cap space first.

According to Over The Cap’s effective cap space (the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster), the Raiders are $1.73 million over the cap.

Twitter Reacts to Marcus Peters Update

Twitter users reacted to the update on Marcus Peters and the Raiders.

“If we just casually have Peters, Hobbs, Shelley, and then Jakorian Bennet as a crutch for if Shelley isn’t good? I’m pretty f**king cool with that to be honest,” one Twitter user wrote. “Say what you will but if Hobbs is moved back to playing Nickel, I’m not scared about our secondary. Also our safeties!”

“The word going around, according to Vic Tafur, that the #Raiders are likely to sign free agent Marcus Peters. If this is true, this would be a huge win for the Raiders,” another user wrote. “The #Raiders need key players on defense, and adding Peters would make the defense that much better.”

“Of course people are complaining about Marcus Peters. Lmao the Raiders have zero talent there, he is instantly the best (proven) CB on the roster,” another user wrote. “We have yet to see how Hobbs bounces back. Or if Shelley pans out in this scheme. Remember when washed (Casey) Hayward ended up contributing?”

Kansas City Chiefs second-year wide receiver Skyy Moore was challenged publicly heading into camp after a somewhat lackluster rookie campaign (274 scrimmage yards, one touchdown in the Super Bowl).

The belief is that it’s time for the 2022 second rounder to step up and become a bigger part of the offense for Patrick Mahomes in 2023. According to Arrowhead Pride media insider Pete Sweeney, that shift has already begun at mandatory minicamp — which concluded on June 15.

Sweeney listed Moore as an offensive “standout” on June 14, relaying: “The two deepest Mahomes passes of camp came 4 plays apart (7-on-7), first 40-50 yards in the air to WR Skyy Moore behind several defenders. Mahomes got him in stride. WR John Ross then won a deep 50-50 TD balls vs. [Jaylen] Watson.”

In a consecutive tweet, Sweeney noted that Moore caught another touchdown from Mahomes during a red-zone 7-on-7s drill — as did rookie WR Rashee Rice. Sweeney’s observations throughout OTAs and minicamp led the KC reporter to voice that he believes Moore “looks primed for expanded role” in 2023.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid Praises Skyy Moore’s Resiliency, Says He’s Earned Patrick Mahomes’ Trust

As minicamp came to a close, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on June 15, and he discussed Moore’s emergence within the press conference.

“Skyy was targeted quite a bit this preseason,” Big Red began. “Most catches or close to the most catches, so I think he’s taken a good jump.”

“Most of all, the quarterback trusts him,” Reid went on. “He’s willing to throw him the ball, that’s why I mentioned the number [of targets] there.”

With a smirk, the Chiefs HC added: “The quarterback’s not going to throw it to you if he doesn’t trust you.”

Gaining Mahomes’ trust is just the first step, however. Another is earning Reid’s and learning the playbook, something Moore appears to have done a better job of in year two.

“Sure, way different,” Coach Reid admitted when asked about Moore’s familiarity inside the offense. “But listen, still total room to climb and grow. He’s so willing though.”

From there, a Chiefs playmaker must take all of that knowledge and chemistry and translate it into live action under extreme pressure in the biggest moments. On that note, Big Red explained that one of his greatest traits was on full display in 2022 — not when he succeeded, but when he struggled.

“You got a chance to see [that] one of the good parts of his personality is that when everything was going wrong last year with the punt returns, he didn’t let that bother him,” Reid stated. “He [always] came back and he’d have a big catch in the same game, and that was all new territory for him with these punt returns. The resiliency, and [ability] to focus back in, that’s a good quality to have.”

Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon’s Take on Minicamp Standout Deneric Prince: ‘He’s Big as Hell’

Another encouraging observation from Sweeney during minicamp revolved around undrafted running back Deneric Prince — who he named as an offensive standout alongside Moore.

“Prince just has another gear when he catches the football, and it’s rare to see from such a big body,” Sweeney touted. “I asked veteran RB Jerick McKinnon about Prince during the Wednesday presser.”

The veteran of the RB room, McKinnon, replied quite hilariously: “To be that big and that athletic is definitely rare. I think the first thing I texted the guys was, ‘Who’s 34? He’s big as hell.’ And he’s moving really fast. He’s been definitely a standout for sure. I know the coaches love him. We love him [too].”

One year after hitting on seventh-round ball-carrier Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs may have struck paydirt on Prince. For now, it’s still too early to tell but the initial returns have all been positive.

Both Mahomes and Reid were asked about Jones’s holdout.

“It’s part of the business,” Mahomes said during his press conference. “I think Chris knows that we love him here. He’s been a part of this team for a long time. He’s one of the main reasons that we’ve had the success that we’ve had. He’s been that leader on the defense. He’s made a lot of big plays, and it seems like in the biggest moments, and you want those guys in your team.

“I’m sure Chris is working, and he knows the defense that he needs to do, and the hope is that everything’s good by training camp and we’re able to come in and just roll and that’s just part of it. And that’s what makes this team … so great is whenever guys that have to go handle their business, we let them handle it when they jump back in the building, and we get back to right where we left off.”

Big Red didn’t appear to be worried when asked about Jones.

“Chris wasn’t here — kind of like last year, same type of deal,” Reid said. “That’s his choice. So, he chose not to be here. But I’m sure he’ll be at training camp.”

Reid then backed off his comment about Jones being back by training camp.

“I wish I could predict that,” Reid continued. “There’s a chance he’s not. We’ll see.”

Chris Jones Holding Out for Contract Extension

Though he has not publicly stated it, Chris Jones is holding out of minicamp as he awaits a contract extension from the Chiefs.

Jones is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million deal with Kansas City and has a $28.2 million cap hit for the 2023 season according to Over The Cap.

The best way to lower his cap number for at least the 2023 season would be to hand Jones, 28, a contract extension, which would give him yet another payday but would also push his cap hits down the road. Kansas City would eventually have to address those cap hits as it has to this off-season under Jones’ current deal. But an extension would provide cap relief for the team for the next year or two while also making their star defender happy.

How Much Money Does Chris Jones Want?

So what will it take for Chris Jones and the Chiefs to strike a new deal? According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic on March 2, Jones wants a contract extension that makes him “at least” the second highest-paid player at his position.

That means the defending Super Bowl champions will have to give Jones a deal that exceeds Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons’, as Simmons received a four-year, $94 million extension this off-season which includes $66 million in total guarantees per Over The Cap.

According to Over The Cap’s effective cap space (the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster), the Chiefs currently have $652,557 in cap space.

The Kansas City Chiefs concluded mandatory minicamp on June 15, and with that came two signings at wide receiver.

KPRC2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported the first, tweeting: “Chiefs are signing Kekoa Crawford, per a league source, following a successful minicamp. Previously ran 4.42 and 4.44 at Cal Pro Day. Former [Indianapolis] Colts wide receiver was brought in for rookie minicamp, then invited back and has now joined the reigning Super Bowl champions.”

Not long after, Chiefs Digest insider Matt Derrick confirmed the news on Crawford, a prospect he labeled a “name to watch” on June 14. A corresponding move — in order to free up room on the 90-man roster — has not been made public at this time.

The organization’s Twitter account also relayed that second-round selection Rashee Rice has finally signed his rookie deal, which closes the book on the 2023 draft class, officially.

More Info on Chiefs UDFA WR Signing Kekoa Crawford

Crawford is an undrafted free agent out of California, but he began his collegiate career at Michigan — where he posted 1,307 yards over two seasons (96 receptions, six TDs).

He played at Cal from 2019 through 2021, starting 17 games and appearing in 21. Crawford’s totals went down a bit on the west coast (75 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns), with a high 40 receptions for 513 yards in 2021.

According to his California bio page, he also earned the university’s “Ken Harvey Award for his academic commitment and improvement” during that senior campaign.

Outside of a short stint inside the Colts organization, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound wideout was unable to break into the league in 2022 — but it appears he has not given up yet. NFL Draft Buzz wrote that Crawford has a “knack for getting open and is a quarterback’s best friend” in October of 2021, adding: “Passers just need to toss the ball in his area and he’ll come down with it.”

The college scouting site also noted his “strong” hands, “savvy” route-running, “exceptional” straight-line speed and “top” field awareness.

Crawford will most likely be vying for a practice squad role in training camp this summer, but the first step was to join the 90-man roster. Now that he’s checked that off the list, he’ll keep pushing for more reps inside head coach Andy Reid’s offense.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid Provides Injury Update After 2023 Mandatory Minicamp

Coach Reid addressed the media on June 15, recapping minicamp for reporters. The press conference began with an extensive injury update.

On that subject, Big Red relayed the following: “[Tight end] Blake Bell had an appendectomy, that’s why he wasn’t at practice. [Safety] Mike Edwards had a hamstring, [cornerback Trent] McDuffie had this stress on his fibula — he should be okay though, all these guys should be okay once we get down the road.”

Continuing: “[Running back Isiah] Pacheco had shoulder surgery, you know that. [Right guard] Trey Smith had a tricep that he hurt, strained it just a little bit during the latter part of camp. [Cornerback] L’Jarius Sneed’s knee, we’ve kind of backed off of him to make sure we kept the swelling down there, and then [defensive tackle Tershawn] Wharton had the knee surgery [ACL].”

“Most of them will be ready to go [for training camp],” Reid added later, although he did admit that he won’t know the exact status on every injury until late July.

The Chiefs are now off for summer break. As team reporter Matt McMullen voiced while announcing the Rice signing at wide receiver: “Next up, training camp.”

Injury forced Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to “roll with the punches” in 2022. After all, that’s how he was raised in a military family by mother Tonge and stepfather Shannon Helaire.

“CEH” missed the last 10 games of last year’s Super Bowl campaign, including the postseason. He was also absent for the championship parade in downtown Kansas City — which drew the ire of some within the fanbase.

“Three, four months prior to [the parade], I made an obligation,” Edwards-Helaire told reporters at mandatory minicamp on June 13, when asked about his absence. “It’s just how I was raised, I’m not going to verbally give someone my ‘yes’ — that ‘A-okay’ — and then back out on them two days before.”

“That’s just — I wasn’t raised on that with how my dad and how my mom [are],” the principled young man continued. “So, if I give somebody my word… If I stand on it and tell somebody that I’m going to do it, that’s just what it is, no matter the obligation, no matter the situation. Having eye contact and telling the person what you’re going to do is what loyalty and trust stands on so that’s what I was on.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Reveals Key Role With Chiefs During Super Bowl Week

Part of the reason some assumed CEH skipped the parade for NYC fashion week was his standing with the team. The former first rounder has been the subject of trade speculation for most of the offseason, and he was a healthy scratch during the Super Bowl after returning from injury.

Was Edwards-Helaire truly healthy leading up to the big game though?

“I practiced that week, the whole week,” he began after being asked how close he was to returning against the Philadelphia Eagles in February. “I played receiver that week — I played the ‘Z’ [role] and the ‘Zebra’ [role]. Pretty much played every position with the exception of quarterback and O-line throughout practice.”

CEH added later that he didn’t think he’d be able to play in the game going into the week, so he tried his best to help the Chiefs win during prep work and practice. His main job, as he noted to the media on June 13, was to mirror key members of the Eagles offense during scout-team drills.

“I was [Eagles WR] DeVonta Smith,” Edwards-Helaire relayed, “for scout team, for the [KC] defense.”

The former starter also mentioned that head coach Andy Reid recruited him to teach his teammates on offense and keep things “running smooth” — given his knowledge of the playbook.

“I did everything I needed to do for us to win that game,” CEH stated. “That’s just what it was. They called my number, and I was out there.”

Edwards-Helaire never specifically answered the initial question on how close he was to actually suiting up in the Super Bowl, but from the sound of his response, it was always going to be a stretch for him to make it back in that capacity.

“I try not to dwell and get into those deep, hard places [mentally],” the Chiefs RB voiced candidly, later in the Q&A, “but I would say getting off the bus this previous Super Bowl [was that most difficult part]… When I got in [to the locker room], I didn’t have my uniform.” That’s the moment it all sunk in.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach Complimented Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s Work Ethic Just Before Declining Fifth-Year Option

When the Chiefs declined Edwards-Helaire’s fifth-year option in early May, it was nothing personal.

“We’re excited though, for Clyde this season,” Veach said on May 1. “He was actually the first guy I saw in the building today, in tremendous shape. He’s a good football player. He’s going to help us out here again.”

Veach balked on the question during this response, which asked if Kansas City had made a decision on CEH, but his answer did make it clearer that the former first rounder was still a big part of the organization’s plans in 2023. The following afternoon on May 2, Chiefs Digest insider Matt Derrick reported their decision to decline year five, officially.

“Needless to say, we’re excited to have him back in the building today and look forward to hopefully a healthy 2023 campaign for him,” Veach concluded on May 1. For Edwards-Helaire, it’s one more opportunity to prove himself heading toward NFL free agency in 2024.

The NFL All-Pro list is the definitive measure of a player’s stature as the elite of the elite at his position, and the honor that garners the most respect when it comes to defining legacies.

Early summer is a time when hope springs eternal for NFL teams, and players, alike, as minicamps wind down and the grind of training camp and the upcoming season await with much optimism and promise. It’s also the perfect time to project out which players will shine the brightest in the fall.

Projecting which players will wind up as a First-Team All-Pro can be a daunting task, but easy all at once, by simply placing the name of the best player at his position the prior season into your projected list for the next one.

But, in order to make things a bit more interesting, to shine the spotlight a little brighter on some of the stars of the game that are knocking on the doorstep of reaching “elite’ status, we opted instead to make the list of players most likely to become a First-Team All-Pro selection for the first time.

Here are our selections:

QB: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts very nearly stole the MVP and a first-team All-Pro slot from Patrick Mahomes last season, but the stage seems set for the 24-year-old to make another significant stride in his development. Given that this will be Hurts’ second season throwing to dynamic receiver A.J. Brown, as well as DeVonta Smith’s third NFL season (when receivers typically begin to peak), all of the pieces are in place for Hurts to take his game and the Eagles’ outlook to new heights.

RB: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

Chubb was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2022, and he’s one of the most feared backs in the game. The combination of the Browns‘ run-based scheme, an offensive line that can make a strong claim as one of the two best in the league, and Chubb’s ferocious running style give the 27-year-old a great chance to make the varsity squad in 2023.

RB: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Running back might be the easiest position to make the leap to first-team All-Pro as a rookie. Especially when a rookie running back can expect the kind of workload Robinson can in Atlanta, combined with his explosiveness as a runner and versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. If Robinson’s 104 forced missed tackles and 1,o71 yards after contact from last season at the University of Texas translate to the NFL, look out.

WR: A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Not only was A.J. Brown a touchdown-maker, catching a career-high 11 in his first season in Philadelphia, he was a monster averaging 6.4 Yards After the Catch per Reception. If that was Brown’s introduction to the Eagles‘ offense, imagine how much more prolific he’ll be in a second season as Hurts’ favorite target.

WR: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2021, but each year the dynamic receiver’s chemistry seems to strengthen with quarterback Joe Burrow. Injuries limited Chase to just 12 games last season, yet he still produced 1,046 receiving yards with nine touchdowns. Given that Chase averaged 4.8 Yards after The Catch per Reception, just imagine how productive he’ll be if he can stay on the field for the entire 2023 campaign.

WR: Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins

One might think that the addition of a speedster like Tyreek Hill on the other side might limit the production of a player like Waddle, but that’s not exactly how 2022 played out. Sure, Waddle only caught 75 passes (down from 104 in 2022), but his yards per catch average nearly doubled to an eye-popping 18.1. Waddle’s speed gives him the ability to take the top off a defense. Playing opposite Hill creates space. Don’t be surprised if Waddle finds a way to build on last season’s 1,356-yard and 8-touchdown outburst.

TE: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

Hockenson was an absolute revelation to the Vikings‘ offense, after arriving in a midseason trade. The 25-year-old caught 60 passes for 519 yards with 3 touchdowns during the final 10 games of the season. With Justin Jefferson flying down the perimeter, expect there to be plenty of room for Hockenson to operate underneath, and plenty of check down targets from Kirk Cousins for him to rack up yards and touchdowns this season.

LT: Andrew Thomas, New York Giants

Andrew Thomas is one of the ascending stars along the offensive line, and the trajectory of his career has been ticking upward the past two seasons, in a big way. A Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2022, Thomas only allowed three sacks and continued to emerge as a stalwart along the Giants’ offensive line.

RT: Kaleb McGary, Atlanta Falcons

McGary is a dominant presence along the line of scrimmage, and one of the Falcons’ building blocks on offense. Last season, McGary was Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 highest-rated offensive tackle, with an 86.6 overall grade. The addition of Robinson in the backfield will give McGary even more opportunities to showcase his ability as a lead-blocker in the running game, where he posted the highest run-blocking grade of anyone not named Trent Williams, at 91.6.

LG: Joe Thuney, Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Thuney has been a stalwart of consistency throughout his career, and he has elevated his game to new heights since arriving in Kansas City in 2021. Last season, Thuney was instrumental in keeping Mahomes upright, allowing only one sack and 15 total pressures. That kind of consistency up front makes it easy for a freelancer like Mahomes to create big-play opportunities.

RG: Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears

Teven Jenkins is a road grader up front in the running game, a tactician in pass protection, and one of the anchors of the Chicago Bears‘ offensive line. Last season, Jenkins only allowed 2.0 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures. He’s already on the cusp of breaking through as an All-Pro, and if the Bears’ offense makes major strides, this could be his season to crack the list.

C: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Creed Humphrey is the most consistently dominant young center in this league. Full stop. Humphrey is a complete mauler as a run-blocker, producing an elite 91.1 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, and a stonewall in pass protection, where he didn’t allow a single sack last season, with just one surrendered through the first two seasons of his career. Maybe more impressive than the fact that Humphrey allowed just 21, quarterback hits is that he was flagged for only 4 penalties in 1,138 snaps in 2022. Humphrey is an ascending talent and perhaps next in line to be a permanent All-Pro fixture.

EDGE: Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

There are few pass-rushers who strike as much fear in opposing offensive tackles as Maxx Crosby does when he’s flying off the edge. It is almost unfair that a player has that much burst and that much speed, flying off the corner. Beyond freakish athleticism, Crosby’s productivity speaks for itself; 15.0 sacks, 81 total pressures, 4 forced fumbles, and 70 tackles in 2022 as the centerpiece of the Raiders‘ defense. Given the exotic blitz packages defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is accustomed to drawing up, don’t be surprised if even those numbers from Crosby take a big jump in 2023.

EDGE: Montez Sweat, Washington Commanders

Montez Swat is borderline unblockable off the edge, where he produced 8.0 sacks and 63 total pressures as the centerpiece of the Commanders’ front-seven in 2022. What makes Sweat special is that he’s one of the more dominant run-stopping edge players in the game, on top of being a game-wrecker when rushing the passer. Sweat is one of the more complete players at his position, and if he continues his upward trajectory, could find himself on All-Pro lists this season.

DL: D.J. Reader, Cincinnati Bengals

Injuries limited D.J. Reader’s production last season, he missed six games due to a knee injury while finishing with 27 tackles and 1.0 sack, but don’t let those numbers fool you into thinking this isn’t one of the top players at his position. Reader is a matchup nightmare, a dominant interior pass-rusher, and as steady as they come against the run. If Reader can stay on the field all season, 2023 could be the year he solidifies his place among the elite of the position.

DL: Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants

Few humans walking the earth can move with the speed and burst that Dexter Lawrence shows on each snap, at a mammoth 6-foot-4 and 342 pounds. Not only does Lawrence take up boatloads of space against the run, but his 9.0 sacks and 63 total pressures are absolute game-wreckers up the middle for opposing quarterbacks. Lawrence was a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2022, and playing another season in coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s scheme should create even more opportunities for Lawrence to destroy things up the middle. If he does, well, etch his name on the First-Team list this season.

LB: Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears

Edmunds arrives in Chicago coming off the most dominant season of his prolific career. Once again surpassing 100 total tackles, Edmunds produced a team-high 101, while holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 87.1. All that, only to leave Buffalo without a contract extension. Given Edmunds’ productivity, his talent, and the added motivation that comes with being spurned by your former team, expect big things from the centerpiece of the Bears’ revamped defense in 2023.

LB: Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lloyd didn’t waste any time throwing his weight around, as a rookie in the Jaguars’ linebacker corps last season. The Utah alum’s three interceptions led all linebackers, and he was consistently around the football, carding 110 total tackles. If Lloyd builds on his stellar rookie season, don’t be surprised to find him on this list by year’s end.

LB: Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers

A strong case can be made that each member of the 49ers’ front-seven could wind up an All-Pro, but Greenlaw should benefit more than most from Javon Hargrave’s arrival. Last season Greenlaw had 127 tackles and was just a brick wall against the run. Expect that to continue in 2023.

CB: Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers boast one of the most talented defenses in the league, and the best defensive back on the roster might be Charvarius Ward, who is criminally underrated outside the Bay Area. Opposing quarterbacks managed only an 88.2 passer rating when targeting Ward last season, and receivers had little room to operate, averaging just 11 yards per catch. Given the combination of the 49ers’ ferocious front-seven and Ward’s prowess in man coverage, the stage could be set for the 27-year-old to have a career year in 2023.

CB: Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Entering his third season, Samuel Jr. hasn’t just already proven himself to be a legitimate ballhawk, but he continues to get better. Quarterbacks rarely targeted Samuel Jr. last season, and when they did, they managed a meager 97.6 passer rating on those throws. Samuel Jr. already etched his name in the record books, becoming the first player to pull down three interceptions in his playoff debut. If Samuel builds on a stellar finish to 2022, there’s a good chance he finishes 2023 as an All-Pro.

S: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

Hamilton is as versatile as they come at safety, and aims to build on a prolific rookie season, that was capped by him leading the Ravens’ defense with 9.0 tackles in a Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only does Hamilton thrive in coverage, where he played both deep safety and in the slot while holding opposing receivers to only 9.9 Yards per Reception, but he’s a real weapon up near the line of scrimmage. Hamilton’s 2.0 sacks and 20 run-stops underscore his value at all levels of the Ravens’ defense.

S: Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Winfield Jr. is an ascending talent at the safety position, who could see more opportunities to create turnovers as head coach Todd Bowles dials up the pressure via the blitz this season. Moving to free safety this season could create more opportunities for Winfield to flash in coverage, where he held opposing receivers to just 10.5 Yards per Reception in 2022. If the Buccaneers’ defense bounces back, and Winfield plays a starring role, don’t be surprised when he winds up being an impact player this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs concluded day two of their 2023 mandatory minicamp on June 14 and media members pointed out that two non-roster invites were in attendance.

Chiefs Digest insider Matt Derrick relayed the first, tweeting: “Chiefs receivers going through drills on Wednesday. One name to watch is WR Kekoa Crawford, who had a strong performance as a tryout player in the mandatory camp. Participated in the team’s rookie minicamp and [the] club wanted another look. Made the most of his opportunity.”

The other was veteran running back Darrell Henderson — formerly of the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars — according to Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney. A third-round selection in 2019, Henderson was waived by the Rams last November and subsequently claimed by the Jags. He didn’t work out in Jacksonville either, however, and is now looking to latch on somewhere new in 2023.

In four NFL seasons, Henderson has rushed for 1,742 yards (4.4 per carry) and 13 touchdowns, while catching 66 passes for another 474 yards and four TDs.

Background Info on UDFA WR Kekoa Crawford After Chiefs Minicamp Tryout

Crawford is an undrafted free agent out of California, but he began his collegiate career at Michigan — where he posted 1,307 yards over two seasons (96 receptions, six TDs).

He played at Cal from 2019 through 2021, starting 17 games and appearing in 21. Crawford’s totals went down a bit on the west coast (75 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns), with a high 40 receptions for 513 yards in 2021.

According to his California bio page, he earned the university’s “Ken Harvey Award for his academic commitment and improvement” during that senior campaign.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound wideout was unable to break into the league in 2022, but it appears he has not given up yet. NFL Draft Buzz wrote that Crawford has a “knack for getting open and is a quarterback’s best friend” in October of 2021, adding: “Passers just need to toss the ball in his area and he’ll come down with it.”

The college scouting site also noted his “strong” hands, “savvy” route-running, “exceptional” straight-line speed and “top” field awareness.

Crawford would most likely be vying for a practice squad role in 2023, but the first step is to join the 90-man roster before training camp. This week could be his final opportunity to make that happen with the Chiefs.

Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney Returns to Action on Day 2 of Minicamp as Justyn Ross Continues to Sit Out

On Day 1 of minicamp, neither Kadarius Toney nor Justyn Ross was active during team periods of practice. Per Sweeney, that changed for Toney on Day 2 while Ross “continued to watch.”

Both of these promising talents have a history of injury, and the Chiefs appear to be handling them cautiously because of that. With that being said, this will be a tight roster battle at WR in 2023 and Ross needs to find his way onto the field this summer as Toney did on June 14.

“In the 11-on-11 period to close practice, LB Nick Bolton had a would-be sack of [Patrick] Mahomes and S Justin Reid broke up a pass as he covered TE Travis Kelce,” Sweeney detailed on Twitter after practice. “Mahomes connected with Toney and he zipped into the end zone for a touchdown. Toney is something to see when he feels healthy.”

Justyn Ross and Toney could turn into two integral pieces on the Kansas City offense in 2023, but they have to keep their bodies at the same level as their game. For that reason, they are players that bear monitoring throughout the offseason and preseason programs.

Cincinnati Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase threw shade at Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Chiefs receiver Kadarius Toney had something to say about it.

When asked on June 13 if Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, Ja’Marr Chase said, “Pat Who?” Chase’s comments came after Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledged on the same day that Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league.

Once Toney caught wind of Chase’s comments, he took to Twitter on June 14 and responded to Chase by saying, “I know who,” which was preceded by two “laughing” emojis and followed up with an “ice cold” emoji.

Joe Burrow Gave Credit Where Credit Was Due

Unlike Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Burrow gave credit where credit was due when asked for his opinion about who the best quarterback in the NFL is.

“I don’t think there’s any argument right now,” Burrow said via Sports Illustrated. “It’s Pat [Mahomes] until somebody has a better year than he’s had. He’s the one to knock off.”

Burrow’s comments come after a 2022 season in which Mahomes was the AP’s Most Valuable Player after setting career-highs in passing yardage (5,250) and completion percentage (67.1) and had a 41-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio during the regular season. He also threw for 703 yards and scored seven touchdowns with zero interceptions during Kansas City’s Super Bowl run in January and February, which resulted in a second Super Bowl victory for the Chiefs in four years. It’s also worth noting that the Chiefs beat the Bengals during their recent run by a score of 23-20 in the AFC Championship game.

This all came in the wake of Kansas City pulling off a blockbuster trade in March 2022 that sent All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins. Having that type of production despite losing one of his top pass catchers shows how truly special Mahomes is and why he is likely to have sustained success in the NFL for years to come.

Twitter Reacts to Ja’Marr Chase’s Diss

Twitter users reacted to Ja’Marr Chase’s diss toward Patrick Mahomes.

“Cincinnati didn’t learn after Burrowhead to not diss the Chiefs? Apparently, people like playing against a p*ssed off Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. For some reason,” one Twitter user wrote.

“As much as I’m not a Chiefs maybe we don’t do that,” another user wrote. “Dumb trash talk is at an all time high in sports.”

“When the Chiefs beat the Bengals this year and reporters ask Travis Kelce about Mahomes in the press conference, I guarantee he’s gonna say ‘Pat who?'” another user wrote.

“This is getting way too much attention,” another user wrote. “I mean as a WR you’ve gotta be that confident about your QB. Obviously Ja’marr knew who they were talking about.”

“Burrow MVP season incoming,” another user wrote. “40+ pass TDs Mahomes is still the best QB in the league – but Burrow will continue to creep up on him.”

“If Joe Burrow ever happens to get a good OL, it will be scary,” another user wrote. “It will look like his Heisman year at LSU over again.. the way he makes magic with subpar OL play is special. His pocket awareness and escapability and poise is 99 overall.”

If you’re a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, you know Travis Kelce doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon.

That doesn’t stop reporters from inquiring about retirement plans based on his age — 33 — and his off-the-field success — including his hit podcast, “New Heights,” and hiring acting representation following a T.V. spot on “Saturday Night Live” in March.

As Kelce addressed the media on June 13 after the first day of Chiefs mandatory minicamp, the retirement questions swirled, and the legendary TE had the perfect answer ready for it when the all-important question came in.

“Till the wheels fall off, baby,” the veteran responded in six words after a reporter asked how long he plans to play football.

Kelce paused before continuing: “I love this game, man. I know I’m going to miss it when I’m done playing, but I hear you on [calling it quits to pursue a secondary career], that’s a business decision I’m sure I’ll have to make at some point in my life but for right now, I’m in this building wanting to win football games.”

Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Says ‘Love’ for Football Makes Him Feel Young

Earlier in the press conference, a reporter asked Kelce what he does in training to maintain his high level of play despite his age.

“Um, I just love the game,” Kelce replied with a chuckle. “I think that kind of keeps me living [like] a young, fun-loving football player, you know? I get to play a game for a living at the age of 33, 34, and I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose that excitement that I had for the game when I was a kid, and every single day I get to come in with the best team, the best players, the best coaches in the world — so, it makes it easier if you just come in here and enjoy it.”

He added that in terms of training, he focuses on the “smaller things” and finer details. Kelce also joked that he always makes sure his body is firing on all cylinders so that he doesn’t accidentally “tweak my back like I did last week.”

Kelce was also adamant that he embraces his role as a mentor for younger players.

“I love it man,” he voiced. “We got the best tight end room in the league right now and it’s fun to be a part of the grand scheme of things in terms of this offense and what it can do, but coming to work and being around the tight end group, man we got a fun group that just loves to play this game and wants to make plays — no matter how they got to do it.”

As expected, Kelce also took a moment to shout-out Tight End University, the TE minicamp he began with George Kittle and Greg Olsen that helps all willing participants of the position come together and learn various tricks of the trade. Last year, Tight End University took place in late June, in between mandatory minicamp and training camp.

Travis Kelce ‘Stood Out’ on Day 1 of Chiefs Minicamp

Kelce didn’t miss a beat during day one of minicamp according to Arrowhead Pride media insider Pete Sweeney, who was in attendance.

Sweeney named Kelce as one of three offensive standouts — alongside wide receivers Skyy Moore and Richie James. “Specifically to Kelce, I counted six team-period catches from quarterback Patrick Mahomes,” Sweeney went on. “The ‘always open’ thing is persisting early here in his 11th season… showing no signs of his age (34 in October).”

Inside the tight end room, Sweeney also noted touchdown catches for Jody Fortson and Noah Gray from Mahomes, and another TD for Matt Bushman from Blaine Gabbert.

When attendance was taken by media on Day 1 of the Kansas City Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp on June 13, there was one glaring omission from those in attendance: All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

ESPN’s Adam Teicher was the first one to point out Jones’ absence via Twitter.

Though it is unclear why Jones was not present for Day 1 of minicamp, his latest post on Instagram seemingly foreshadowed his absence from team activities on Tuesday.

Jones posted a video with the caption “Coming for it all. #year8” with a video of him sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins and celebrating with a “make it rain money” celebration.

Chris Jones Is Holding Out For a New Contract

Though he has not clearly stated it publicly, Chris Jones is seemingly holding out until he receives a contract extension from the Chiefs.

Jones is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million deal with Kansas City and has a $28.2 million cap hit for the 2023 season according to Over The Cap.

The best way to lower his cap number for at least the 2023 season would be to hand Jones, 28, a contract extension, which would give him yet another payday but would also push his cap hits down the road. Kansas City would eventually have to address those cap hits as it has to this off-season under Jones’ current deal. But an extension would provide cap relief for the team for the next year or two while also making their star defender happy.

So what will it take for Jones and the Chiefs to strike a new deal? According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic on March 2, Jones wants a contract extension that makes him “at least” the second highest-paid player at his position.

That means the defending Super Bowl champions will have to give Jones a deal that exceeds Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons’, as Simmons received a four-year, $94 million extension this off-season which includes $66 million in total guarantees per Over The Cap.

According to Over The Cap’s effective cap space (the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster), the Chiefs currently have $652,557 in cap space.

Chris Jones Deserves Every Penny He Gets

Whatever Chris Jones makes from his next contract extension will be justified based on his performance last season.

Jones registered a total of 77 pressures (50 QB hurries, 15 sacks, 12 QB hits), 31 stops, and 2 forced fumbles during the 2022 regular season according to PFF. His 92.3 PFF defensive grade during the regular season was the highest among all interior defenders in the NFL, which snapped Aaron Donald’s eight-year streak of being the highest-graded interior defender in the NFL.

Arguably the best performance of Jones’ seven-year NFL career came during Kansas City’s AFC Championship victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in January. During that game Jones dominated by way of 10 total pressures (5 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, 2 sacks) and 3 stops.

Once mandatory minicamp ends on June 15, the Chiefs will then have summer break until training camp begins at the end of July. If Kansas City is unable to agree to terms on a new deal by the time training camp begins, then expect Jones’ holdout to continue into training camp until he gets the contract that he wants.