Tag: brett veach

Chiefs GM Brett Veach says Travis Kelce is a ‘unicorn’ after contract extension

#Chiefs GM Brett Veach told reporters that Travis Kelce is a “unicorn” after re-working his contract this week.

The announcement of the Kansas City Chiefs extending the contract of Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce all but ensured that he would finish his career with the franchise. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach decided to get the deal done shortly after the NFL draft and at the start of the second phase of OTAs.

News of Kelce’s deal broke early Monday afternoon, and Veach held a press conference to address the extension and other matters.

“Congratulations to Travis Kelce on his contract adjustment, [he] just signed it here a few minutes ago,” Veach said. “[It is] hard to put into words what Travis means to this organization in this city, and he was certainly a priority to justice contract for us, and it was important for Clark [Hunt]. It is very fitting that Travis is now the highest-paid tight end. Again, [it is] just a really special day and moment for this organization to once again recognize arguably one of the greatest tight ends ever to do it.”

The timing of the announcement was shocking as, typically, teams are negotiating with their newly drafted rookies, but Veach explained the specialty of Kelce to the organization.

“Travis is an outlier here. I think we all know that. When you talk about Travis and his career and his legacy here. This is something we just wanted to knock right out of the park early on.”

Kelce turns 35 in October, and it’s uncommon for most position players, aside from quarterbacks or kickers, to be effective late in their careers; Veach believes the Pro Bowl tight end is a unicorn.

“Well, I mean, now and then, you have one of these guys that are better outliers,” Veach explained. “Certainly, Travis is one of those players. It’s funny; it’s not even me yet. Today, we had a chance to get out there and phase two. And guys were out there running around. And Travis was the first guy in line, and I mean, he looked like he was 28 years old. I mean, the odds of someone playing this far into the 30s are very low, but it does happen and happens with just unicorns in the profession.

“Travis is one of those, and we’ll certainly celebrate this with him, and hopefully, we can ride this thing even longer. We’ll have to wait and see, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down, and everyone you know notices the kind of postseason he had. He just found that extra gear and the special ones. The special players are always able to find that extra gear, and again, if anybody can do it, Travis can.”

Kelce is entering season twelve of his career with Kansas City and should be assured that he will remain there as long as he chooses to keep playing.

UDFA rumors: Former Utah DB Miles Battle signs with Chiefs

UDFA rumors: Former Utah DB Miles Battle is set to sign with the Kansas City #Chiefs.

Since defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s hiring, general manager Brett Veach has been focused on strengthening the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense. Each season, the unit develops young players through the draft or undrafted free agency.

The NFL Draft picks last weekend satisfied many of Kansas City’s roster needs, but they have also found undrafted gems in the past. They are hoping for success with the reported signing of former Utah defensive back Miles Battle, who was announced via the Utah Football X account.

Battle provides exceptional size at 6″ 4 205 pounds from the defensive back position. In 2023, as a senior, he played in all 13 games, starting twice at cornerback. Battle finished the season with 32 tackles and one interception in his lone season at Utah after spending 2018-2022 at Ole Miss.

It’s a unique project for the Chiefs, as Battle’s numbers last season weren’t eye-popping. He still has physical attributes that are enticing for the roster. Battle transitioned from wide receiver to defensive back halfway through the 2020 season.

For more Chiefs UDFA signings, follow our tracker.

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.