Should the Chiefs bring back Jody Fortson?
The former Kansas City tight end is back on the market.
On Sunday, we learned that the Miami Dolphins have released former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jody Fortson.
In his latest roster projection on Friday, Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney predicted the team would keep four tight ends at the 53-man roster cutdown, which must be done before 3 p.m. (Arrowhead Time) on Tuesday.
Once he finally made the roster (after two seasons on the practice squad) Fortson spent 2021 and 2022 with the team. He missed the 2023 season on injured reserve before being allowed to sign with the Miami Dolphins. So he now holds three Super Bowl rings earned with the Chiefs.
It is my opinion, the Chiefs should bring him back for a fourth.
A quick statistical comparison between Fortson and Irv Smith Jr. doesn’t portray Fortson as a very attractive option to replace the four-year veteran.
But since Fortson has better rate statistics than Smith, a deeper look is in order. Smith has appeared in 49 games over four seasons, while Fortson has just 19 to his credit. In addition, Smith has carried a much higher percentage of offensive snaps with the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Smith has amassed 1,772 NFL snaps compared to Fortson’s 238.
Using that ratio to put Fortson on the same footing with Smith on their counting stats.
It’s reasonable to ask if Fortson can remain healthy enough to play another season in Kansas City; that could easily be why the team let him walk in March. He is also 29, while Smith is 26. But both players entered the league in 2019 — and there is little doubt that Fortson is more in tune with the Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes than Smith can ever hope to be.
In my mind, this is an obvious move Kansas City could make before the roster cutdown. After waiving wide receiver Jaaron Hayek with an injury designation on Wednesday (after clearing waivers on Thursday, Hayek is now on the team’s Reserve/Injured list), there’s even a roster spot available.
