The Kansas City Chiefs got an on-field first look at some recently signed veteran players during their first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
If there’s one signing that has been flying under the radar, it’s sixth-year defensive tackle Jarran Reed who has come to Kansas City by way of the Seattle Seahawks. During his first week of OTA practices, the veteran run-stuffer impressed Chiefs HC Andy Reid and it isn’t because they pronounce their last names the same.
“(Jarran) Reed I like,” Reid told reporters on Thursday. “I mentioned before he doesn’t spell his name quite right, but he sure plays right.
There has been a lot of focus on other positions this offseason and for good reason, but the defense wasn’t perfect in Super Bowl LV either. The addition of Reed will allow the Chiefs to be more multiple in their formations in the defensive trenches, opening a lot of doors that they didn’t have available in 2020.
Reid added that Jarran has been able to plug right in and go to work alongside players like Chris Jones and Frank Clark. It’ll even allow Chris Jones to kick outside and play more snaps at the defensive end spot.
“We’re always talking about the offensive line, but that signing right there was a really good get and I think will pay off for us in a real big way this season,” Reid said. “It gives us some flexibility with what we can do with Chris (Jones), so I like that addition. You’re talking about a Pro Bowl-caliber player and just plugging him in, and not much has been said about it. I’m excited to see him once we kick this thing off.”
Perhaps everyone will share in the excitement of the head coach once the pads come on at training camp. Right now, we’ll just have to take his word for it on the potential impact that Reed will have on the defense.
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