The Kansas City Chiefs have made a move to add a veteran tight end according to the NFL’s transaction report.
The Chiefs have signed former Cardinals TE John Phillips. Phillips entered the league out of the University of Virginia in 2009 as a sixth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys. He spent four years in Dallas before making stops in San Diego, Denver, New Orleans and Arizona in 2018.
The strength of Phillips’ career has been his ability as a blocker. He has had minimal impact during his career as a receiver, with his best season coming in 2011 with the Cowboys, where he recorded 15 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.
The Chiefs have been searching around for more veteran tight end depth, but it’s unclear if they view Phillips as a player who can step in and make the 53-man roster. At the very least he should serve as competitive depth to motivate some of the younger players on the 90-man roster to pick up their game.
In a corresponding move the Chiefs have released defensive back Dontae Johnson. Johnson was added to the Chiefs’ 90-man roster shortly after the 2018 season ended along with several other players. He’s a vested veteran, which means he’s not subject to the NFL’s waiver system and will be free to sign with another team immediately.
