USAT: Chiefs Wire audio clip

USAT: Chiefs Wire

Feb 18, 2022

- - - The Kansas City Chiefs will look to improve their roster during the course of the 2022 NFL offseason on offense, defense and special teams. One player who has contributed plenty on offense and special teams this season is TE Blake Bell, who re-signed with the team on a one-year deal in 2021. - The past season marked Bell’s second stint in Kansas City, after becoming a champion with the team during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2019. Bell left as a free agent in 2020 to join the Dallas Cowboys for one season and the difference in the tight end room was palpable. It was one of the reasons why bringing him back in 2021 was such a no-brainer for the team. - There was also the family history — with his uncle, Mike Bell, playing 13 seasons and starting 100 games for the franchise. Then there was the value that he brings to the table as a teammate, blocker, pass-catcher, special teamer and wildcat quarterback. He also loves being coached by Tom Melvin and working alongside Travis Kelce. - It was a win-win situation to bring Bell back in 2021, but will that play out the same way this season or will it be more like 2020? As things currently stand, it’s hard not to say things appear more like the 2020 offseason where Bell left to play in Dallas. The Chiefs have a lot of depth at the tight end position right now with a total of seven tight ends under contract (pay attention to the guaranteed money). - When the team moved on from Bell in 2020, the team had some guys they wanted to get a closer look at like Deon Yelder and Nick Keizer. Now, the team has a very clear duo of Kelce and Noah Gray who will be rostered. They could have five or more players battling it out for potentially a single roster spot in 2022. - That doesn’t include Jody Fortson, who is an exclusive rights free agent, but also coming off an Achilles injury. He’s likely the fan-favorite for that No. 3 tight end spot. That also doesn’t even include any potential additions in the 2022 NFL draft or undrafted free agency — in what is a loaded draft class at the position. It is possible they roster four tight ends (which they did at one point in 2021) if they have the horses to do so, but that remains to be seen. - It just feels like the Chiefs are preparing to oncIe again move on from Bell. Circumstances could ultimately change this offseason with injuries, but fans should prepare themselves for the possibility that Bell will not return. - - - - List - - Breaking down Chiefs' picks in latest Draft Wire 3-round mock draft - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Chiefs Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Chiefs Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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