Tag: brett veach

Former Chiefs Pro Bowler texted Brett Veach praising rookie Jaden Hicks’ performance

Former Kansas City #Chiefs Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu texted Brett Veach praising rookie Jaden Hicks’ performance | @EdEastonJr

If players have significantly impacted the team, the connection between the front office and former players can last well beyond their tenure with the franchise. The Kansas City Chiefs had plenty of players who went to other teams but still held a special place in Chiefs Kingdom.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach revealed a conversation he had with a former Pro Bowl player about rookie Jaden Hicks during Thursday’s Zoom press conference.

“It’s funny. I was at home watching some preseason games after we got done playing one night,” said Veach, “I think I just randomly texted Tyrann Mathieu just to check in and say hi; we were exchanging texts, and he kind of ended it with And 21’s a stud.'”

Mathieu is still a fixture in the Chiefs front office’s minds even though he plays for the New Orleans Saints. Aside from his casual conversation with Veach, the endorsement of Hicks is a comforting notion that the Chiefs may have another potential star on the roster.

“So, I think it’s not just apparent to us; even the league’s taking notice. And a guy like Tyrann Mathieu, he sets the standard there, so when he’s sitting there watching games, and we’re not talking Chiefs, we’re just exchanging texts about families and what have you, so when he mentions it, I think it’s kind of taken the same way by the rest of the league.”

Mathieu’s conversation with Veach wasn’t about specifics regarding either of their teams, but it was an interesting moment realizing the lines of communication remain open.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach reveals thoughts on cutting Louis Rees-Zammit

Kansas City #Chiefs general manager Brett Veach reveals thoughts on cutting Louis Rees-Zammit | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with plenty of prospects due to roster cuts as they reshaped their roster for the 2024 season.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach spoke with reporters on Thursday via Zoom about the decision to cut former Rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit.

“We kept it open; we wanted the kid to really look at maybe some different opportunities as well. It’s pretty remarkable when you think about a player that doesn’t have any pro-American football experience. No middle school, no high school, no big-time college experience.” said Veach. “We were kind of thinking about it going through camp. Imagine not having any sort of foundational background, just being thrown in and doing one-on-one pass-pros with a Drue Tranquill or a Nick Bolton. I mean, that’s pretty incredible.”

Rees-Zammit played in all three preseason games, showing his versatility in different positions. Veach took notice but potentially didn’t see his development working in time to make the roster.

“Running back, maybe a big slot receiver, I think he does have some potential as a returner. I’m not sure he couldn’t be a kicker,” said Veach. “I mean, he had an outstanding leg, and with this new rule, he can do some different things, provide some versatility.”

Rees-Zammit wasn’t a free agent for long as he landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Veach believes it has much to do with the international influence.

“I think the Jacksonville thing, and their relationship overseas and what that brings to the table, going overseas twice a year,” said Veach. “I think that was probably something that interested him, phenomenal kid, phenomenal worker, and again, just thinking back on the tremendous amount of progress he made in a short amount of time, I think he’ll continue to grow and develop, and I think he found a really good spot there in Jacksonville.”

Rees-Zammit’s time with the Chiefs was brief, but it was enough for him to land with another team. The Chiefs are building for an immediate three-peat, and the roster is primed with Super Bowl aspirations.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach reflects on Kadarius Toney’s tenure: ‘We’re certainly disappointed’

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach reflects on Kadarius Toney’s tenure: ‘We’re certainly disappointed’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing their team for next Thursday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, with new players replacing departed talent due to roster cuts.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach addressed the decision to release wide receiver Kadarius Toney earlier during Thursday’s Zoom press conference.

“I mean, look, I think we’re certainly disappointed. I think he’s disappointed. We really like the kid, and I know that people could have different takes on Kadarius, but I know in this building, he’s a bright kid.” said Veach. “He’s a smart kid. I think when you look back on it, some of the stuff is, is a stroke of bad luck in regards to some of the injuries you can’t control, like walking out the first day of training camp last year and tearing his MCL.”

Toney was hampered by multiple injuries, including knee surgery at the start of training camp, finishing the 2023 season with 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions.

“I mean, that was just unfortunate. Some of the things I think that we talked about were sometimes you can make some bad luck turn into good luck by just doing some little things in the offseason, such as taking care of your body,” said Veach. “I think that’s a process he’s working through, and again, it’s certainly not for a lack of talent, and that’s a situation where I think when you move on from players like that, I think everyone feels disappointed.”

Toney played 13 games, starting two last season, dealing with ankle injuries and a torn MCL from training camp.

“As far as our relationship with the kid, I really like the kid. I don’t think that we’ve seen the end of him, and I think he’ll have a chance,” said Veach. “I think if he’s able to tighten up, you know, some of the offseason stuff and get his body right, I think he’ll go out there and make a ton of plays for another team.”

Toney was traded to the Chiefs from the New York Giants on October 27, 2022, in exchange for a third and a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Veach fielded questions regarding possible regrets for making the deal to acquire the speedy receiver.

“I don’t think we’re sitting here going for a third straight Super Bowl. Had we not made that trade,” said Veach. “So from that standpoint, do it all over again in a heartbeat. I think it’s always disappointing when a player’s tenure ends in that situation, meaning you will have players that the age catches up to them. You’ll have players where maybe it’s a really serious injury, and then you’ll have players that you move on from where the talent just wasn’t there. So I think when you have to move on from a player, and the full product, or the finished product, or untapping all that talent wasn’t realized, there’s a disappointment.”

The Chiefs added JuJu Smith-Schuster earlier in the week, possibly as an indication that they weren’t planning to move forward with Toney in 2024.

Chiefs snap counts: Which players saw the most action vs. Bears?

Take a look at which players saw the most action in the #Chiefs’ preseason loss to the #Bears on Thursday night.

The Kansas City Chiefs rested their starters against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, giving many lesser-known players a chance to fight for a spot on their 53-man roster.

Though the efforts of Kansas City’s second, third, and fourth-stringers were admirable in the Chiefs’ 34-21 loss to Chicago, head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach will have to part with many of the players who saw action against the Bears.

Take a look at the snap counts from Kansas City’s latest defeat, which were posted by Kansas City Chiefs on SI deputy editor Jordan Foote on Twitter after the game:

While it is hard to draw conclusions from raw data in the preseason, Kansas City’s coaching staff is sure to have seen enough to know which players earned their spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.

Stay tuned to see how Reid and Veach decide to construct Kansas City’s roster over the next few days.

 

Chiefs GM Brett Veach on the value of practice squad players: ‘We’re going to rely on those guys’

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach on the value of practice squad players: ‘We’re going to rely on those guys’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs and every team must trim their rosters over the next few days before the regular season begins.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach joined the broadcast team on KMCI 38 The Spot during the start of the second quarter of Thursday’s game vs. the Chicago Bears for his annual conversation in the booth.

He addressed the mindset of handling the main roster and the value of putting together the practice squad.

“With our schedule, and hopefully every year we’re trying to play a 20-game season, you’re going to need those guys. And we don’t really look at these players as practice squad players. We just look at them as an extension of our roster.” said Veach. “A bunch of guys over the years that started out on the practice squad, whether it be Nazeeh Johnson or Jack Cochrane and last year, Matt Dickerson, so every year we’re going to rely on those guys.”

Veach and his front office staff will work with the coaching staff over the next few days to trim the roster. He appreciates the coaches’ support in making these decisions and getting the most out of potential practice squad candidates.

“We’ve just been fortunate that our coaching staff does a great job again,” said Veach, “Not just with the starters, but they do a great job of coaching up the young guys on the practice squad because it’s not a matter of if but when we’ll need them throughout the course of the season.”

The Chiefs could have several former practice squad players make this year’s regular season roster—a credit to the development and system built in Kansas City during the successful Super Bowl run.

Final score: Chiefs lose to Bears 34-21 in preseason finale at Arrowhead Stadium

The Kansas City #Chiefs fell to 0-3 in the preseason after a 34-21 loss to the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.

The Kansas City Chiefs lost in their preseason finale against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.

The game’s final score was 34-21 in Chicago’s favor and left Kansas City’s preseason record at 0-3.

Though several players popped for the Chiefs in the loss, turnovers and poor defensive play proved too much for Kansas City to overcome, and ultimately doomed the defending champions to finish their exhibition schedule without a win.

Rookie running back Carson Steele was among the Chiefs’ most effective players against the Bears, ending the game with four rushes for 50 yards and a touchdown to cap off his exceptional preseason.

Now that the preseason has run its course, head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach will have to make some difficult decisions to cut down Kansas City’s roster down to 53 players and a 16-man practice squad next week.

Stay tuned to Chiefs Wire over the next few weeks to see which players stick around in Kansas City for the 2024 regular season.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach discusses Creed Humphrey’s contract extension

General manager Brett Veach discussed Creed Humphrey’s contract extension during the #Chiefs’ preseason finale against the #Bears. | @EdEastonJr

The first domino has fallen regarding the Kansas City Chiefs’ upcoming free agents from the 2021 NFL Draft class. The front office made securing the core of the offensive line an immediate focal point.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach joined the broadcast team on KMCI 38 The Spot during the start of the second quarter of Thursday’s game for his annual conversation in the booth.

He immediately addressed the reported deal of center Creed Humphrey, agreeing to a contract extension to become the highest-paid center in the league.

“In the last 24-48 hours, we’ve had a lot of good dialogue, and I’m pretty sure we’ll put pen to paper soon,” Veach explained. “But, needless to say, we’re extremely excited to continue Creed’s career here; he’s been great for the organization. We’ve been very fortunate to have really a good group of young guys, and hopefully, we’re able to get a little bit more work done with some of these other young guys as well.”

Humphrey has quickly become a valuable mainstay on the Chiefs’ offensive line, and after the deal is complete, he will continue to anchor for the foreseeable future.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach thanks former franchise QB: ‘He established a winning tradition’

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach thanks former QB Alex Smith: ‘He established a winning tradition’ | @EdEastonJr

One of the highlights of training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs this year was the appearance of former quarterback Alex Smith.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was one of Smith’s guests for the SiriusXM Town Hall from training camp on Tuesday. He used his time to give thanks to Smith, who started 76 games for the Chiefs from 2013-2017.

“I know he’s too humble, but are any of us here right now if it’s not for this guy right here?” said Veach. “He established a winning tradition and a culture, and I mean in this league, it’s so hard to have success and sustained success.”

The Chiefs traded for Smith in the 2013 offseason, and Andy Reid named him the starter shortly after he took over as head coach. In five seasons as the starter in Kansas City, Smith won 50 games and threw for over 17,000 yards and 102 touchdowns against 33 interceptions.

“I don’t think any of us are here, including the guys you see on the field right now, if this guy didn’t come in here and do what he did and really paved the way for all of us,” said Veach. “So thank you, Alex, for everything.”

Since retiring, Smith has enjoyed a growing career in media and continues to be a welcomed face whenever he’s around Kansas City.

Chiefs re-sign DT Matt Dickerson before the start of OTAs

#Chiefs re-sign DT Matt Dickerson before the start of OTAs | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to bring back a familiar face at the start of Phase 3 of the offseason workout program. Recently released defensive tackle Matt Dickerson was announced as the latest signing on Monday via the team’s transactions tracker.

Dickerson was released by the Chiefs last week to free a roster spot but stayed on the team’s radar ahead of OTAs. The 28-year-old has floated between the main roster and the practice squad for most of his career but earned a Super Bowl ring last year with his efforts.

Dickerson started his career with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018, followed by stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders. He spent last season with the Chiefs playing 12 games, tallying 15 tackles while appearing in 190 snaps on defense and seven on special teams. He notably played in the postseason divisional round victory against the Buffalo Bills.

Retaining players who understand Steve Spagnuolo’s system is vital to the unit’s continued growth. This strategy has allowed General Manager Brett Veach to retain essential members of the starting defensive line this offseason.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce responds to new two-year contract extension

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce gave thanks for his contract extension on a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast.

The Kansas City Chiefs front office staff led by general manager Brett Veach made more than a splash following the NFL Draft as they secured their Pro Bowl tight end for the foreseeable future. Travis Kelce’s new two-year contract makes him the highest-paid tight end in the league.

He had plenty to say about the deal on the latest episode of New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce (Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment), where the Chiefs tight end shared his thoughts on the new contract and thanked the franchise.

“I am so… thankful to Brett Veach, Mark Donovan, Coach (Andy) Reid,” Kelce said. “Big Red, I love you, big guy. Clark Hunt, man, the Hunt family has been absolutely unbelievable to not only myself in this Kansas City community, but they have just been so generous since I’ve been here in making it feel like home.

“For the past 12 years, man, I’ve been able to make this place exactly that, and I’ve loved every single second of it. I’m gonna love the next two years playing here in Kansas City, and we’ll see what happens after that, man. I’m so excited, and I’m so thankful to this organization for getting it done and making me feel appreciated and compensated the right way. “

According to his brother Jason, Kelce’s extension is for two years, $34.25 million through 2027. Travis told Jason that he hopes this new deal will change the perception of his position moving forward, marking it as a premium role in offenses around the league, and securing fellow tight ends more leverage in contract negotiations.

“I can’t thank Kansas City enough,” Travis explained. “My agents, for {keeping] knocking on that door to see if anything’s available, knowing that I’m not a guy that sits out, I’m not a guy that holds out. I’m a guy that loves coming into the building, and the Chiefs know that, so for them to want to, first of all, want to be able to get this done for me, knowing how much blood, sweat, and tears I put into this thing for I’m extremely grateful and extremely thankful for everybody involved man I love Kansas City for it.”

Kelce has nearly every major tight end record in his career, and he is quickly approaching the all-time marks set by Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez.