Tag: brett veach

UDFA rumors: James Madison WR Reggie Brown to sign with the Chiefs

Former James Madison WR Reggie Brown is expected to sign with the Kansas City #Chiefs

The wide receiver situation seems to have been addressed by the Kansas City Chiefs following the first-round selection of Xavier Worthy in the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager Brett Veach didn’t draft another receiver, but he was far from done at that position.

According to KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson, James Madison, standout wide receiver Reggie Brown will sign a rookie deal with the Chiefs after going undrafted. Brown was a First Team All-Sun Belt Conference wide receiver last season. He recorded 53 receptions for 1,054 receiving yards with a team-leading nine touchdowns.

Brown will have a chance to compete for a spot on the roster as the receiver room grows. The Chiefs still have young options at the position alongside recently signed Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has always found a way to get the most out of wideout options that can fit the scheme system.

Brown set a James Madison single-game record with 202 receiving yards versus UConn, accumulating four 100-yard games during the breakout season.

For more Chiefs UDFA signings, follow our tracker.

UDFA rumors: Former TCU RB Emani Bailey to sign with Chiefs

UDFA rumors: Former TCU RB Emani Bailey is signing with the #Chiefs

The roster additions don’t end following the NFL draft, as every general manager around the league seeks more young talent from the undrafted players pool. Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach prides himself on making wise selections in the undrafted free-agent market after years of success.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero states that former TCU running back Emani Bailey will join Kansas City after being undrafted. Bailey is an improving runner who started his college career in Louisiana from 2020 to 2021 before entering the transfer portal to TCU. He served primarily as the third running back in his first year with the Horned Frogs until becoming the starter last season.

In 2023, Bailey played 12 games, accumulating 223 carries for 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns. He was effective per rush, averaging 5.4 yards while catching 25 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown. At 5-foot-7 and 202 pounds, he isn’t afraid to get physical in the trenches and is a solid option in the passing game.

The Chiefs already have Clyde Edwards-Helaire behind starter Isiah Pacheco in the depth chart, with Deneric Prince potentially becoming a factor.

For more Chiefs UDFA signings, follow our tracker.

Washington State memes Chiefs’ selection of DB Jaden Hicks

Washington State memed the Kansas City #Chiefs’ selection of defensive back Jaden Hicks in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The seriousness of the NFL Draft in all 32 war rooms is evident from the many cameras peeking into boards crowded with names strategizing for the future. The Kansas City Chiefs front office brass led by general manager Brett Veach is serious about all of their selections, including defensive back Jaden Hicks.

Kansas City selected Hicks 133rd overall in the fourth round, and the Washington State standout joins a prime defense that already features another Cougar. Hicks joins Jaylen Watson in the Chiefs defense after being selected in the 2022 draft creating a Washington State-themed secondary that couldn’t go unnoticed by the school’s social media team.

On their WSUCougarFB X account dedicated to the Washington State football team, they posted a photo from a scene of the classic television comedy ‘The Office’ featuring Watson and Hicks photoshopped front and center.

Watson has become a consistent option in Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan and a significant contributor to two Super Bowl titles. Veach is hoping for the same impact and production from his fellow Cougars alum, Hicks, in 2024.

Brett Veach: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes learned about Xavier Worthy pick while at Time Magazine gala

Brett Veach told reporters that he informed Patrick Mahomes about the #Chiefs’ selection of Xavier Worthy while he was at the Time100 Gala.

The NFL Draft war rooms for every team in the league are constantly busy with different scenarios being assessed throughout the night. The Kansas City Chiefs’ room, led by general manager Brett Veach, always evaluates talent and takes suggestions from his franchise quarterback.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes attended the annual Time Magazine Time100 Gala in New York City to celebrate his inclusion on the cover. The iconic event didn’t take the three-time Super Bowl champion’s attention away from his team and the in-progress draft.

“I think he was at a gala night in New York,” Veach explained. “He called me and said, ‘Hey, good luck. I’ll be in New York, but I got my phone on.’ I think [he] was pretty quiet most of the night, think right around pick 20 [or] 21. He said, Hey, how’s it looking? You know, what are we thinking?

“I guess, 30 to 45 minutes later, I think, when we actually confirmed the trade with the league before we turned it in, I shot him a text and said ‘I think we’re gonna be on the clock here soon’ and told him the pick. So he [sent] a thumbs-up emoji and was excited.”

Worthy has been in contact with Mahomes well before this weekend’s draft, as he revealed after the Combine that the reigning Super Bowl MVP congratulated him on his record-breaking 40-yard dash time. Veach assumed Mahomes spoke with Worthy while in New York City.

“I’m sure they already touched base and talked already,” Veach said. “He was a guy that, obviously, being from Texas, Pat knew all about. He knows a lot about a lot of players, but he was certainly excited.”

The Chiefs are adding more firepower to their offense, and once again, another player from Texas captured Mahomes’s attention well before he’s put on a Kansas City jersey.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals early plans for Texas WR Xavier Worthy

#Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed his plans for Texas WR Xavier Worthy, who was Kansas City’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs made moves late in the first round of the NFL draft, trading up with their AFC nemesis, the Buffalo Bills to move from pick No. 32 to No. 28.

Ultimately, Kansas City selected Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy,  indicating their high hopes for the talented speedster.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with the media immediately following Worthy’s selection, sharing his thoughts on the former Longhorn. Reid already has a plan for utilizing his record-breaking speed in the game plan and special teams.

“I think he is a heck of a football player,” Reid explained. “Number one, he does a few different things. He’s a good wide receiver and also a good special teams returner. He’ll end up doing both to start things off with.

“We’ll just work him into that rotation when we get him (into) the wide receiver rotation, and with Hollywood (Marquise Brown) and Rashee (Rice) and (Travis) Kelce, you know, the other folks, so it should give Pat (Patrick Mahomes) another weapon to use.”

The announcement that the Chiefs and Bills were making a deal shocked many critics, but Reid shed some light on Kansas City’s mindset.

“We wanted him, and we just felt that he started getting down there; somebody might jump us and pick him up,” said Reid. “Brett does a great job of this; he got a real good feel for the people that have interest in that position and that player and then where he needs to go to attack it.”

Reid has thrived with slim and speedy receivers, as he mentioned his experience with former receiver DeSean Jackson during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. The longtime head coach was enticed to select Worthy because of his desire and eagerness to play football.

“I like his makeup,” Reid continued. “I like the fact that he can go all day and that he loves football. And you guys know how we’re wired here. Brett (Veach) makes that a real characteristic that he likes. Likewise, as coaches, we love that. If you find that out about a guy and you can tell he’s passionate about the sport, I think you’ll see this when you meet him. And he loves to play. And he’s good at it.”

Hopes are high for what Worthy can bring to the Chief’s offense, as the possibilities are endless as day one of the NFL draft comes to a close.

Chiefs sign HC Andy Reid, GM Brett Veach, President Mark Donovan to extensions

The #Chiefs extended the contracts of Head Coach Andy Reid, General Manager Brett Veach, and team President Mark Donovan on Monday night.

Just days before the 2024 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs signed head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach, and team president Mark Donovan to contract extensions.

The move comes after Kansas City secured its second-consecutive championship in Super Bowl LVIII with a win over the San Francisco 49ers back in February.

In a statement sent to the press, the Chiefs emphasized the importance of Reid, Veach, and Donovan in their front office, pointing to the accomplishments that the trio have been able to achieve:

“Together since 2017, Donovan, Veach, and Reid have overseen a Chiefs team which has gone 100-34 (.746) (reg. & postseason combined), claiming seven consecutive AFC West Division Championships, four AFC Championships, and three Super Bowl Championships,” the team wrote. “The club has been in six-consecutive AFC Championship Games including hosting an NFL record five-straight (2018-2022).”

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Clark Hunt’s decision to keep these three key figures in Kansas City for the foreseeable future should prove to help the Chiefs sustain their dynasty as the team looks to continue winning Super Bowls for years to come.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach on trading with AFC rivals: ‘Asking prices are a tick higher’

#Chiefs GM Brett Veach told reporters that trading with Kansas City’s AFC rivals is difficult because “asking prices are a tick higher”

The Kansas City Chiefs’ success over the past few seasons has been partly due to decisions the team has made in the offseason. Their front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, has found ways to reshape the roster around its stars to maintain its supremacy, and the rest of the league has taken notice.

During a press conference on Friday, Veach spoke openly about the Chiefs’ mindset heading into the draft next week and revealed that doing business with every team in the league isn’t easy due to Kansas City’s status as Super Bowl champions.

“I think that if it can benefit them (another team), I think they’re always going to pick up the phone and call and be willing to work,” Veach explained. “I don’t think a team will diminish their ability to do something they really want to do just because it’s the Chiefs.

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“I do think that the ability to deal with certain teams it’s always been understood that if you’re going to deal with the team in your division, there’s a little bit more of a premium. Still, I think just some of the AFC teams, in general, that are consistent playoff performers.”

The Chiefs have consistently had battles with rivals in the AFC on their way to three titles over the last five years. Veach understands that other teams take caution to avoid adding to Kansas City’s dominance in the offseason.

“The Buffalo (Bills) and the Cincinnati Bengals and [the] Baltimore (Ravens), it’s probably a little bit harder to deal with those teams,” Veach continued. “Even if they pick up the phone, I think some of their asking prices are a tick higher. So I think we get hit with a little more interest. I think that there’s always a way to make a deal, but I think certain teams will probably up the price a little bit.”

Kansas City’s dynasty will be remembered for the fantastic players that Veach and his staff have brought in over the years, and the classic games that have been won due to the Chiefs’ exceptional foresight in roster construction.

Brett Veach: Wanya Morris to compete for starting spot on Chiefs’ OL

#Chiefs GM Brett Veach made it clear that he expects Wanya Morris to compete for a starting spot on Kansas City’s offensive line.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ road to back-to-back Super Bowl titles last season wasn’t smooth, with various players going down due to injury. The offensive line shuffling forced the team to count heavily on young players and depth.

Wanya Morris saw plenty of action at left tackle due to an injury to Donovan Smith. While the results of his time in action were mixed, the 2023 rookie gained valuable experience.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach revealed that he wants to see Morris compete for a starting spot on Kansas City’s depth chart next season.

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“I think we were really happy with Wanya’s development last year,” Veach explained. “I think he showed some signs early on [in] the OTAs that we were really excited about, continue that growth and maturation process during the training camp. Then, middle of the season there, he got an opportunity, some good, some bad.

“I think Wanya would tell you this: If you look at his body of work last year, on the one hand, you’re happy that he was able to come in at the pro level and be competitive. It wasn’t perfect. But it was also solid play that I think is a good foundation to build and grow on.”

Morris started in four of the 14 games he played last season; the third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft proved he’s worthy of being in the conversation to start, but according to Veach, he has more work ahead of him.

“He has to come in here with the mindset that we’re going to look to bring in competition,” Veach continued. “He’s got to come in here and win that position, and it’s his job to come in and be prepared to win that position. I think it’s our job to go out there and find competition, you know, for that left tackle spot.

“I think, again, there’s a lot of promise in there. There’s a lot of ability. But certainly, I think it’s our job to bring in some competition there. Make him earn that and work for that.”

Veach is focused on the flexibility of his offensive line, hoping to draft or acquire players who can play multiple positions. Morris is heading into his second season with a great opportunity as the offensive tackle position battle will be one to watch in training camp.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach provides update on WRs Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore

#Chiefs GM Brett Veach gave reporters an update on wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore during a press conference on Friday.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason is humming along as the team prepares for the 2024 NFL Draft next week. The most-discussed position of need for the defending Super Bowl champions is wide receiver, as the squad hopes to improve their production at the position after a noticeable drop-off in 2023.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach addressed the media on Friday via Zoom to give his thoughts on the current state of Kansas City’s roster, specifically touching on expectations for Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore next season.

“We’re obviously hoping both continue to improve progress and can be consistent playmakers for us,” Veach explained. “Kadarius has obviously had a long history of injury issues, but he is probably our most talented wideout. Now again, it doesn’t do anyone any good unless unless you stay healthy. But I mean, the kid has always worked hard here for us. I know; he’s been down there with Pat (Patrick Mahomes). I think it’s just a matter of him staying healthy. I think if he can do that, he can really do a lot of great things in this offense.

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“That’s one of the things there’s a lot of speculation about KT, but I don’t think we ever stopped believing in him. I think people around the building like him, and it’s, it’s the injury bug, and hopefully, he gets some luck on his side, and he can stay healthy and be the player that he was in Florida and the player that we’ve seen in spurts here. So, just hoping he has a good offseason and has a little luck on his side and can stay healthy.”

Moore also dealt with injury issues last season, being placed on injured reserve in December and unable to get his timing back effectively for the postseason run.

“Skyy (Moore) has always been a mentally tough kid,” Veach said. “He had that knee injury last year, too. So, to some degree, it is just these guys being on the field and staying healthy, and then making plays when their number is called.

“The great thing about both these guys are the two guys we really like as people, and they’re smart guys, and they work hard. And now it’s just a matter of them putting themselves in position to earn consistent playing time and then make plays when their number is called.”

Toney and Moore will prioritize health, as the young receivers are still a big part of the team’s future, especially with the ongoing police investigation of Rashee Rice.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire reflects on Chiefs declining his fifth-year option

Clyde Edwards-Helaire reflected on the #Chiefs’ decision to decline his fifth-year option during a press conference held this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been busy throughout the offseason, adding to and maintaining their Super Bowl roster. One of the players returning in 2024 is running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who officially signed his new deal on Monday.

He addressed the media via Zoom after finalizing his contract at the Chiefs’ facility and discussed the mindset he had in free agency after Brett Veach declined to pick up his fifth-year option in 2023.

“You really just look at things and call a spade a spade,” Edwards-Helaire explained. “Looking at the [cap] number, looking at things, looking at cap space, as a football guy and a player, you see those things. Some people call it the writing on the wall, and I call it the actual sport we’re playing.

“In the same way Pat [Mahomes] was doing [his contract restructure] at some point, he knew he was gonna have to rearrange some things to get guys around that we feel like we will need in order to win a Super Bowl.”

Edwards-Helaire made it clear that he understands the business aspect of sports and didn’t let Veach’s decision on his option change his mentality heading into last season. He played a pivotal role in solidifying the running back position through midseason injuries.

Said Edwards-Helaire about Kansas City’s 2023 season:

“Numbers are numbers, things change. Obviously, [they] changed from 2019 numbers to 2020s, all the way going into 2023, [and] 2024. I was fortunate enough I’m a first-round pick, like I said, to have a second spot [to] call home. You know, a lot of those times, man, just being around football and seeing it, why don’t you don’t want to say the fifth-year options are rare, but it’s not one of those things that you see, like, oh, I know, that’s an automatic thing that’s always going to happen. So, I knew I was getting an opportunity to continue to play. You know, that fourth year wasn’t like I was getting cut. It was a next year’s contract was what has been this year. I just knew, as long as I got a chance to put on a helmet and put on pads, I was gonna have that opportunity to showcase what I needed to do to be back on his team.”

Last season, Edwards-Helaire started three of the 15 games he played, shifting between being a third-down back and starter while tallying 223 yards rushing and 188 yards receiving. He had one touchdown as a runner and another as a receiver.