NFL News: Andy Reid’s Chiefs sign former Packers tight end Aaron Rodgers to help Patrick Mahomes

2024 NFL regular season is reaching the finish line, but the most important part of the year is taking center stage: the playoffs. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes looking to make another deep run this year, why the Kansas City Chiefs is constantly looking for ways to improve. Recently, they added to their offense by lands a former teammate of Aaron Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers.

On Monday, the Chiefs announced that they had signed tight end Robert Tonyan to the practice squad. The 30-year-old, who went undrafted in 2017, spent six years with the Packers, enjoying prolific seasons in Rodgers’ offense.

It remains to be seen if the Chiefs plan to activate Tonyan anytime soon, though it’s safe to say that the Christmas game against the Pittsburgh Steelers comes a little early to the tight end.

Tonyan’s NFL experience, including a stint with Rodgers at the Packers

Tonyan caught 11 of his 17 career touchdowns in the 2020 NFL season, which was his most productive year to daterecords career-highs in games started (8) and receiving yards (586) apart.

Aaron Rodgers and Robert Tonyan celebrate a touchdown at MetLife Stadium.

The Indiana State product showed a good correlation with Rodgers during that campaign, including a statement performance against the Atlanta Falcons on “Monday Night Football,” catching three touchdown passes in the Packers’ 30-16 victory.

see also

NFL News: Chiefs confirm Andy Reid will lose key player with significant injury for Christmas game vs Steelers

Unfortunately, a torn ACL cut his season short in 2021. He returned for the 2022 NFL season, but Tonyan left for the Chicago Bears in 2023 and had 11 catches for 112 yards in all 17 games during the regular season. Before landing in Kansas City, the tight end spent time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 but failed to register any statistics.

Chiefs add needed depth at TE for Reid and Mahomes

Having him on the scout team means the Chiefs can arm Mahomes with another weapon if needed. Tonya has experience playing with a talented quarterback like Rodgers, so it could be interesting to see what he can bring to Kansas City’s offense.

Reid and Mahomes has already lost several tight ends to injury in the 2024 NFL season. The likes of Jared Wiley and Jody Fortson have been ruled out for the rest of the year, which is why Tonyan provides some needed depth.

Fortunately, Peyton Hendershot may be ready to go for the playoffs as the Chiefs announced they opened their 21-day practice window on Monday. A short time ago, the team also signed veteran TE Anthony Firkser to have another option behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.