The Kansas City Chiefs have bolstered their tight end depth chart by acquiring Peyton Hendershot from the Dallas Cowboys, in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. This move comes on the heels of reports suggesting Hendershot's impending release as part of the Cowboys' final roster cuts to meet the 53-man roster deadline.
Hendershot, an undrafted free agent out of Indiana University, now finds himself heading directly to Kansas City. Despite limited opportunities during his time in Dallas, he has shown flashes of potential across 25 games, recording 15 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns. His contribution largely came as a backup, playing behind Dalton Schultz and Jake Ferguson in his rookie season, then Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker in the following year. Additionally, Hendershot made his mark on special teams, underscoring his versatility and athleticism.
New Addition: Hendershot's Profile
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 254 pounds, Hendershot brings an imposing physical presence to the Chiefs. He exhibited significant athletic prowess during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, yet he struggled to carve out a significant offensive role with the Cowboys, participating in just 29% and 28% of offensive snaps over the past two seasons.
For the Chiefs, this acquisition addresses a key need for depth at the tight end position. With star tight end Travis Kelce entering his age-35 campaign and backup Noah Gray entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Chiefs needed to secure more options. They also drafted Jared Wiley in the fourth round earlier this April to further solidify the position.
Chiefs' Strategy: More than Just Insurance
The Chiefs' strategic emphasis on the tight end position is illustrated by their usage patterns from last season. According to Tru Media, Kansas City finished third in the NFL for snaps with two or more tight ends on the field and seventh in snaps with three or more tight ends. This heavy reliance on multiple tight end sets underscores the importance of depth at this position. Kelce's vital role in the Chiefs' high-powered offense is likely to be managed carefully throughout the season to ensure he remains at full strength for a playoff run.
Incorporating Hendershot into the mix provides Kansas City with another athletic option who can contribute not just in the passing game, but also on special teams. For Hendershot, this move offers a new opportunity to establish himself in a system that highly values the tight end position.
Looking Forward
For Hendershot, the transition to Kansas City could be a fresh start. He enters a tight end-friendly environment where his athleticism and versatility might see more utilization. This change of scenery could potentially unlock his untapped potential, especially under the tutelage of an offensive guru like Andy Reid.
The Chiefs' decision to trade for Hendershot aligns with their broader team-building philosophy: ensuring that they have a complementary mix of veteran experience and youthful potential ready to step in. This strategy positions them well for another deep playoff run, relying on a roster that's versatile and capable of handling different in-game scenarios.
As the regular season approaches, the Chiefs’ management will likely continue to monitor and adjust their roster to keep Kelce and the tight end unit fresh and dynamic. Hendershot's arrival is just one component of a bigger puzzle aimed at maintaining their offensive prowess and achieving sustained success.
In summary, Peyton Hendershot's move to the Kansas City Chiefs not only fortifies their tight end depth but also provides him with a new platform to succeed. His blend of size, strength, and special teams capability, combined with the Chiefs' tactical use of tight ends, promises a fruitful collaboration moving forward.