KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City hasn’t made the same splash it did last season during free agency, when the Chiefs snagged safety Tyrann Mathieu off the open market.
But the reigning Super Bowl champions are quietly rounding out the roster for 2020 and showing patience with the NFL Draft now three weeks away.
The Chiefs introduced three free-agent signings — a pair of former New York Giants teammates, cornerback Antonio Hamilton and offensive lineman Mike Remmers, and quarterback Jordan Ta’amu — on Thursday via teleconference due to NFL restrictions on player and personnel movement, amid social-distancing efforts and stay-at-home orders.
Hamilton, 27, is entering his fifth NFL season. He joins Kansas City after spending the last two seasons with the Giants.
The young and versatile player spent the majority of his NFL career, including two seasons in Oakland, on special teams, but he joins a team with a glaring need at cornerback.
That’s especially true after losing veteran defensive back Kendall Fuller via free agency to Washington.
“We haven’t really spoken on as far as my role will be, because it is still really early, and I know they are still doing their evaluations and getting the team and stuff together,” Hamilton said. “So, I know further down the road we will have that conversation.”
The Chiefs hope his versatility on defense and special teams will allow him to contribute.
Versatility was a big factor in the signing of Remmers as well.
Remmers — a nine-year veteran, has started 73 games during the last five seasons for Carolina, Minnesota and Giants — has played every position except center on the offensive line in the NFL.
“I know it’s nice to play more than one position,” the 30-year-old Remmers said. “I’m not sure what the future holds but I’ll be ready for whatever.”
He’s also eager for an up-and-close personal look at “The Patrick Mahomes Show.”
“You watch his highlights every week and you’re just like, ‘What he heck, he did that this week? And he did that this next week?’” Remmers said. “Every week, he’s always doing something more creative. He’s a heck of a player, he moves really well, he slings the ball like crazy. He’s a heck of an athlete. I’m just extremely excited to meet him in person, see what he’s like in the locker room and in the huddle, just see how he operates out there. It’s been great watching him and now I’m excited to be playing with him.”
Finally, Ta’amu will be joining Mahomes in the Chiefs quarterback room after a productive stint with the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL.
Ta’amu, 22, completed 72% of his passes and averaged 210 yards passing per game with five touchdowns and two interceptions in five XFL games before the season was suspended.
“Me and my agent figured this would be the best opportunity for me to learn and keep growing as such a young guy,” Ta’amu, who starred in college at Mississippi, said. “I’m always open to learn and pick the quarterbacks’ brains, pick Patrick’s (Mahomes) and (Chad) Henne’s brains. That’s kind of my deal.”
The NFL Draft is set for April 23-25.
