Former Chiefs TE Signs with AFC Rival Just Before 1st Preseason Game

Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Baylor Cupp (47) spikes the ball after scoring against the Chicago Bears during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Baylor Cupp (47) spikes the ball after scoring against the Chicago Bears during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs' tight end room has been an understated storyline throughout the summer. Most attention has been on the offensive line, wide receiver, and back end of the defensive back room.

However, the Chiefs have built a stellar tight end room. Travis Kelce is obviously the leader, but Noah Gray is a dependable veteran, Jared Wiley was a recent fourth-round pick with great promise, and guys like Robert Tonyan are pushing for a roster spot as well.

A former Kansas City player at the position, who never had a chance of remaining on the roster but has an intriguing physical profile, has now signed with a critical AFC rival that could dethrone the Chiefs as the king of the conference.

Former Chiefs TE Baylor Cupp Signs with Ravens Before 1st Preseason Action

According to a report by CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, the Baltimore Ravens signed Baylor Cupp on Saturday. At 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds with tantalizing athleticism, Cupp could become a valuable pass-catcher for Baltimore as a third-stringer behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

This move makes a ton of sense for both parties. Likely went down with an injury and is in danger of missing the first few weeks of the regular season and based on Andrews' slow start in 2024, the Ravens needed someone to serve a supplementary role.

Cupp can do that, though he hasn't proved it at the professional level at this point. His only NFL appearance was with the Chiefs and he didn't record a statistic, but he was a proven blocker in college who averaged 10.7 yards per catch during his collegiate career.

In all likelihood, Cupp won't factor into Baltimore's plans. At the very least, however, he can provide some insight into how Kansas City head coach Andy Reid runs the offense.

That inside information can prove valuable. Given that the Chiefs are the No. 1 enemy of the Ravens, they should absolutely be trying to poach as many players in this mold as possible. Even minor advantages can prove to be a difference in close games, and Baltimore needs all the help it can get at this point.

Kansas City had no place for Cupp on the roster, though this could be an underrated move with unexpected ramifications once the regular season kicks off.

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