The Kansas City Chiefs are set at the starting quarterback position with former league MVP Patrick Mahomes but have made some new additions to the depth chart this offseason. Former XFL quarterback Jordan Ta’amu was signed just recently to help solidify things behind Mahomes.
During a conference call this week, Ta’amu spoke about his decision to sign with the Chiefs and expectations moving forward.
”After the whole season went down, my agent and I were just waiting to see what kind of teams would try and pick me up or have me sign. I felt like the Chiefs were in my alley just the way the offense is, all the great things I’ve been hearing about Coach Reid and his offense and the quarterback room” said Ta’amu, ”Me and my agent figured this would be the best opportunity for me to learn and keep growing as such a young guy. I’m always open to learn and pick the quarterbacks’ brains, pick Patrick’s (Mahomes) and (Chad) Henne’s brains. That’s kind of my deal.”
Ta’amu was the starting quarterback for the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks. He was 3-2 as a starter, with five touchdowns and 2 interceptions before the league suspended its season due to concerns over the coronavirus. Prior to the XFL, Ta’amu started two years at Ole Miss producing 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during the 2018-19 college football season.
”I think my ability to do a little bit of everything,” said Ta’mau regarding his fit in Kansas City, ”see the defense, pre-snap reads. Throwing, being accurate all the time, making smart decisions, that was the main key too. Using my feet when I have to, using my legs, that’s another weapon. I worked on a lot of that during the offseason right before the XFL training camp started. It showed in the games and practices.”
Ta’mau will be in a battle throughout training camp to prove he deserves to be the primary backup for Mahomes. He’ll have to make it through practice squad QB Kyle Shurmur and then veteran Chad Henne. Henne was injured last preseason but still has the advantage of being a proven veteran in the league and a presence in the quarterback room.