Over the past two seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have been searching for a replacement plan for Travis Kelce once he eventually retires. Although no one in Chiefs Kingdom wants to see Kelce go, it's inevitable. Fifth-year tight end Noah Gray is currently the leading candidate to replace Kelce when he retires.
However, Kansas City has brought in multiple other tight ends over the past two offseasons to compete for a future with the team. Last year, the Chiefs brought in former Dallas Cowboys tight end Peyton Hendershot as their third tight end. Unfortunately, he didn't really make an impact on the Chiefs, resulting in him not staying with the team.
Even so, the 26-year-old possesses enough talent that he shouldn't still be jobless heading into training camp.
Former Chiefs Tight End Peyton Hendershot Deserves a Training Camp Invite
Although there was little fanfare upon acquiring Hendershot in a trade prior to the start of last season, Kansas City was hoping they could get something out of him. During his rookie year in Dallas, the former University of Indiana tight end caught 11 passes on 16 targets for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Furthermore, he recorded a 55.9 run blocking grade, according to PFF. The following season, Hendershot's receiving production regressed as the third tight end, catching four passes on seven targets for 38 yards. Despite that, his blocking grade improved to 56.9 in nine fewer games.
The 26-year-old's consistent blocking in his first two seasons, alongside showing some upside receiving, gave the Chiefs some hope when they acquired him. Sadly, Hendershot disappointed on both fronts, recording just a 54.1 pass-blocking grade and five catches on five targets for 51 yards in seven appearances.
While he hasn't shown much as a receiver the past two years, Hendershot's pass-blocking upside should allow him to be rostered as some teams' tight end No. 3. He deserves a chance, even if it's no longer in Kansas City.