Tag: brett veach

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs added former draft pick Steven Nelson to the practice squad earlier this week to prepare him to play a significant role in the postseason run. During Thursday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo opened up about the signing.

“Just take it one day at a time and see what we got; it’s been a while. It’s gonna take, take a while to figure out for him.” Said Spagnuolo. “I sat down to talk with him; he hadn’t been doing a lot, so we had him out there for one day. Take it day by day.”

Nelson started his career in Kansas City, starting in 38 of his 52 games and tallying four interceptions and 182 tackles. Spagnuolo shared his thoughts on the decision to sign the veteran cornerback.

“I talked to him about it; I don’t know how it all transpired. I didn’t ask all those questions,” said Spagnuolo. “I’m assuming Brett (Veach) just kind of researched it, and it developed, and he made a decision to give it a shot. So we’ll see where it goes. It’s so ground-level right now that I don’t really have too much insight, to be honest with you.”

Nelson was believed to be retired after nine NFL seasons and playing last year with the Houston Texans. He is more depth for a secondary that has been hit with injuries this season.

Steven Nelson comes out of retirement, signs with Chiefs practice squad

The Kansas City #Chiefs signed veteran DB Steven Nelson on Monday after their win over the Los Angeles #Chargers on ‘Sunday Night Football’

The Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran defensive back Steven Nelson to a practice squad contract on Monday after their Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Nelson, who initially entered the league as a third-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2015 NFL draft, played in Kansas City for four seasons before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.

After his time in the City of Bridges, Nelson played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 and the Houston Texans in 2022 and 2023 before he announced his retirement on June 6, 2024.

Though it may take some time for Nelson to earn an activation from the Chiefs’ practice squad, his addition signals that general manager Brett Veach saw a need to add experience to Kansas City’s secondary.

Fans can expect Nelson to become a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defensive backfield if injuries continue to affect Kansas City’s cornerback depth in the final weeks of the regular season.

Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt comments on the latest AFC West division title: ‘Never take them for granted’

Kansas City #Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt comments on the latest AFC West division title: ‘Never take them for granted’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt spoke to reporters on Sunday night about the team’s thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which clinched a ninth consecutive AFC West division title.

“You certainly never take them for granted; I do think in a lot of ways when you do something for the first time, it’s more special, and that was not the first time we’d ever won the division,” said Hunt. “But when we started this streak of nine, I think we were all really excited. We didn’t know what was ahead of us.”

The nine consecutive AFC West division titles are the second-longest such streak since 1970, trailing only the 2009-19 New England Patriots and their eleven AFC East division titles.

“It’s been a very special time period for the Kansas City Chiefs – an amazing era of Chiefs football. The credit for that goes to Andy (Reid), Brett (Veach), and their staff,” said Hunt. “They’ve just done a phenomenal job. I ought to mention the injuries this year. We certainly have had a lot of injuries, particularly at the receiver position, and Brett and his team have done a fantastic job every week (of) finding a solution, finding somebody who can come in and help us.”

Veach’s notable acquisitions include running back Samaje Perine, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and left tackle D.J. Humphries, each of whom played significant roles in Sunday night’s victory. The Chiefs are now turning their attention to winning the top spot in the AFC and earning a first-round bye.

Report: Former Chiefs CB to visit Kansas City on Monday

Former Kansas City #Chiefs DB Steven Nelson will reportedly visit the team facility for a potential return | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have dealt with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball this season. Each lost player has forced general manager Brett Veach and the front office to look outside the organization to add veteran talent.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, recently retired cornerback Steven Nelson is expected to visit the Chiefs on Monday for a potential reunion. His long-time agent, Josh Arnold, confirmed this visit, as Nelson could be an option to rejoin the organization he began his career with after being drafted in 2015.

In the first four seasons of his career, he played for Kansas City, starting in 38 of his 52 games. He collected four interceptions and 182 tackles before leaving in free agency before the 2019 season. He announced his retirement in June after nine seasons but could be ready to put on his pads again for a chance at a Super Bowl run.

Nelson made stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles and spent the last two seasons with the Houston Texans. He appeared in 130 career games with 115 starts, recording 13 career interceptions, 87 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one sack, and 456 total tackles.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach believes Kansas City is a top destination for players

#Chiefs general manager Brett Veach believes Kansas City is a top destination for players | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing the unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title this year and have gotten off to a blazing start. The addition of several players throughout the year has raised the team’s profile and chances of accomplishing the feat, thanks mainly to the front office.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach appeared on the Pat McAfee Show last week. He discussed the growing number of players around the league choosing Kansas City during the current run of success.

“Typically, when you get to different points of this season, whether that be in the offseason or at the trade deadline, I think we do hear a lot of, ‘If everything is equal, he would love to play in Kansas City.'” said Veach. “Listen, I think that playing for Coach Reid and playing with Pat Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones would certainly be a destination for any player that had a chance to potentially move on and go somewhere else.”

The Chiefs added veteran players JuJu Smith-Schuster and Samaje Perine in free agency shortly before the season while trading for DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche. Player injuries and juggling roster spots allowed Veach and his staff to make these additions. The front office has typically made splashes in the draft with homegrown talent but will try to recruit veterans who can financially fit in the budget.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares Brett Veach story, preparing for game return

Kansas City #Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire shares Brett Veach story, preparing for game return | @EdEastonJr

The return of Clyde Edwards-Heaire to the Kansas City Chiefs is eagerly anticipated as he continues to work through PTSD. During a recent appearance on ‘The Pivot‘ podcast, the former Chiefs first-round pick described his preparation for returning to game action, helping the defense during practice and uplifting conversation with general manager Brett Veach.

“I’ve been doing everything that I that I can. I’ve been in every meeting and at every practice since I’ve been, you know, let off NFI,” Edwards-Helaire explained. “I was talking to (Brett) Veach, and he was like, Man, even though you’re not out there, you are on our 53. No other team would do that in the league. No other team would do that. Like man, I know what you bring.”

Since being taken off the NFI list, the former LSU star has been listed as inactive. The Chiefs’ running backs room continues to be led by Kareem Hunt while starter Isiah Pacheco recovers from injury.

“I think I’m showing everything that I need to do, like I’ve been on service, you know, P-Squad (Practice Squad), servicing the starters on our defense, making sure they good every week,” said Edwards-Helaire. “That’s a proud moment for me because I feel like our defense ain’t been letting up on anybody. So I’m like, I’m doing the things that I need to do for our team to be successful as much as I can in this spot.”

Last season, Edwards-Helaire started three of the 15 games he played, tallying 223 yards rushing and 188 yards receiving. He had one touchdown as a runner and another as a receiver.

“As soon as they flick that two or five light, for me to get on with the ones and be able to be out there and showcase with our guys who’ve been rolling,” said Edwards-Helaire, “they going to get Clyde, full-blown I mean, and I think the biggest thing was me, was just finding peace within myself and I think I found it.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vzj2XTWKLMY

Edwards-Helaire will eventually rejoin a productive running back room on the active game roster. Kansas City has been one of the best-rushing teams in the league this season.

Chiefs trade with Patriots for LB Joshua Uche

Kansas City #Chiefs acquired LB Joshua Uche in a trade with the New England #Patriots on Monday after their Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to add options for their undefeated roster ahead of the trade deadline as they set their sights on a three-peat.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City is acquiring linebacker Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots. Uche is a former Patriots 2020 second-round pick from Michigan who will now be expected to make an impact for the Chiefs during their stretch run to the postseason.

The 26-year-old has had two sacks in six games this season with the rebuilding Patriots and 20.5 sacks in his career. The fifth-year outside linebacker is another pass rusher for the Chiefs, who are fresh off of five sacks in the Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

 

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the breaking news of the trade during his weekly Zoom press conference on Monday.

“I mean, it helps the secondary. Any pressure that you can put on the quarterback, we’re gonna add another guy in here,” said Reid. “(Brett) Veach has made a trade with (the) Patriots, so that’ll be a nice addition going forward, but we understand that you take care of business up front. It helps everybody.”

Uche’s addition to an already dominant Chiefs defense is another reason the team fully trusts general manager Brett Veach and the front office’s decisions.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid avoids DeAndre Hopkins questions, gives update on veteran receiver

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid avoids DeAndre Hopkins questions, gives update on ‘Hollywood’ Brown | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the report of DeAndre Hopkins being acquired in a trade early Wednesday morning. Reid couldn’t legally comment on Hopkins because the league had not finalized the proposed trade before the press conference.

“(General Manager Brett) Veach is dealing with all that, so(I’m) hush on that,” said Reid immediately when asked at the top of his press conference on Wednesday. He made it very clear when reporters asked him again.

“I know nothing,” said Reid, sparking laughter in the room of reporters.

However, the long-time head coach was able to provide an injury update on Marquise’ Hollywood’ Brown as he continues his rehab after surgery last month.

“He’s (Hollywood Brown) doing great, that I can tell you, he’s doing great,” said Reid. “He seems to be on schedule or a little bit ahead of schedule. I can’t tell you that; I mean, I don’t know that. It’s going to be a while, though, but he’s a relentless worker. I can tell you that much, and I can tell you that he’s doing very well for what he’s got there.”

 Hopkins’s joining the Chiefs will boost the wide receiver room, which continues to deal with injuries. JuJu Smith-Schuster will be out this Sunday against the Raiders, and there isn’t any clear indication of when he can return from his hamstring injury.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses wide receiver depth: ‘I have extreme confidence‘

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes discusses wide receiver depth: ‘I have extreme confidence‘ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have often been linked in trade rumors to possibly adding a standout wide receiver. The recent trades involving Davante Adams and Amari Cooper have intensified the rumors as the deadline approaches.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes seemingly dismissed any need for more wide receiver additions.

“I have extreme confidence with the guys that are on that football field. They’ve won games, they’ve won Super Bowls, (and) they’ve made plays in big moments,” said Mahomes. “Brett Veach has done a great job of bringing players in that can step up whenever their number is called.”

Players consistently criticized for lack of production this season include Skyy Moore and Justin Watson, who have played solid roles in addition to their typical receiver positions. The coaching staff and Mahomes believe them, and the rest of the room is prepared to take the next step when called upon for the rest of the season.

“Every time I step on that football field, I feel like we have the best ability to win, and I think that’s a credit to Brett Veach and coach (Andy) Reid bringing in guys that really get after it and put in the work to be great every single day.”

Mahomes is the leader on offense, and if he’s good with the current crop of receivers, then that’s all the front office needs to know. The injuries over the first few weeks have changed the offense, but they haven’t changed the goal of another Super Bowl run.

Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt comments on welcoming back veteran running back

Kansas City #Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt comments on welcoming back Kareem Hunt | @EdEastonJr

During Wednesday’s press conference, Kansas City Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt opened up about running back Kareem Hunt’s return this season. The former Pro Bowler started his career in Kansas City but was abruptly released in 2018 following an off-the-field incident.

“Going back six years ago, we were obviously very disappointed by the actions that we saw in that video and how he handled it afterward, as we talked about it as an organization here a few weeks ago,” said Hunt. “Both Brett (Veach) and Andy (Reid) expressed to me that they felt confident that he had matured from that, that he had learned from the mistake (and) gotten the help he needed. As a result, we felt comfortable bringing him back.”

During the Chiefs’ last game before the bye week, Kareem led the team in rushing with 27 carries in his first start of the season, tallying 102 yards. The Chiefs CEO spoke to the veteran running back after he re-signed with Kansas City.

“I have, I have; he expressed to me his gratitude for being back here. He knows it’s a really good fit for him from a career standpoint,” said Hunt. “He knows that he left here under some difficult circumstances and is very glad to be back and getting to play for our great fans.”

The former Cleveland Brown’s running back has made an immediate impression in his return to Kansas City. The co-sign from ownership is the validation he needed for a genuine clean slate in his second tenure.