Chief Concerns: Worries About TE Depth Overblown

No single position, on the Kansas City Chiefs roster has a bigger drop-off, from starter to backup, than Tight End. Understandably, fans are pretty concerned about this, some even suggesting it constitutes the team’s single greatest need. In many ways, these concerns date back to the memory of Anthony Fasano and Travis Kelce, terrorizing the field, together. The fact of the matter is, as soon as Kelce established himself, Chiefs cut Fasano loose and haven’t shown any indication they want to go back to multiple TE sets. The arrival of Mahomes has only made this more marked, as Harris logged a three year low, in snaps, despite seeing significantly more action when Sammy Watkins was hurt. At the end of the day, Chiefs aren’t worried about the number two TE spot, and they’re in good company.

League Production at TE

In 2018, 17 teams had at least one TE eclipse 500 yards receiving. Just three teams had more than one TE exceed 300 yards receiving: Eagles, Steelers, and Redskins. By contrast, all but eight teams had at least three WRs produce 300 yards, or more (one of them was the Steelers). The simple fact is, 2^nd TEs just aren’t as productive as the used to be. Teams are finding more success running out of 11 personnel and, as the league gets more and more pass happy, WRs just represent more dangerous targets.

Investment in a TE

In the modern era, cap concerns are king. Teams who successfully navigate the salary cap over-perform (Patriots). Teams who don’t rarely see their potential realized (Vikings, Cowboys, Chiefs under Dorsey). The highest paid TEs are making around nine million a year. There are 21 WRs making more money than the highest paid TE. When it comes to TE, it’s a simple question of investment. Why spend a high pick, on a TE, if you already have an established starter? Even if you succeed in acquiring an above average starter, they just don’t carry the same value. Pittsburgh is the best offense, to employ two TEs. Those TEs were acquire via trade (4^th round pick for a 5^th round pick and Vance McDonald) and the draft (5^th round pick Jesse James), with minimal investment.

Need for a #2 TE

That’s all well and good, but what if Travis Kelce gets hurt? There’s a good reason Chiefs aren’t worried about that. Since 2014, Kelce has never missed a full game, due to injury. In fact, last year, he played through a minor injury that he got surgery, to correct, in the off-season. If you’re not worried about Mitchell Schwartz going down, due to injury, you shouldn’t worry about Kelce. Some players have proved durable, over the years, and Kelce is one of them.

Bottom Line on a Second TE

Based on past history, Kelce is unlikely to miss much, if any, time. In the even that he did, adequately replacing him would be basically impossible, without investing a high round pick. Making that investment, in a player who wouldn’t even see 40% of the snaps, isn’t sound cap management. Chiefs are starting to treat the TE position like RB, and that’s wise. Throw a bunch of minimal investments into filling it. If they don’t work out, you can always find a decent TE, for a reasonable price, in free agency.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

Don’t miss Michael Travis Rose’ piece called:

“The Kansas City Chiefs Greatest Defensive Players Ever – Part Two.”

at 12:00 PM CT today.

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