Chiefs Keep Second-Longest Tenured Player With New Contract
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs will bring long-snapper James Winchester back for a 10th season in Kansas City, reportedly agreeing to an extension as the "legal tampering" period of NFL Free Agency opened up on Monday.
Terms of the deal are not yet available, though this will keep the second-longest tenured Chief in the organization behind only future Hall-of-Famer Travis Kelce.
See the latest on the transaction below.
Chiefs Free Agency: KC Re-Signs Long-Snapper James Winchester
Chiefs have agreed to terms on a new contract for long snapper James Winchester, per source. Terms not yet available.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) March 11, 2024
The ultra reliable Winchester, who hasn't missed a game in his career, will be back for season No. 10 in Kansas City.
Winchester originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Eagles before being released and joining the Chiefs. He's carved out a fantastic career, being part of three Super Bowl champions as one of the most respected long-snappers in the entire league.
It's remarkable for a player in the trenches to go nine years without missing a single game, but that's the reliable luxury that Winchester affords. He's one of the unrecognized heroes of the Chiefs' rise, serving as a bridge between the Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes days alongside Kelce.
The 34-year-old former Oklahoma Sooner will have a new holder, as it appears likely Tommy Townsend is moving on after the Chiefs signed Matt Araiza to serve as the punter.
Nonetheless, Winchester has a special connection with legendary kicker Harrison Butker. The two have helped Butker become perhaps the best kicker in the NFL and it was clearly a priority to keep Winchester on the roster.
We'll keep you updated on moves throughout the day, but with Winchester, Chris Jones and Drue Tranquill all extended, it appears Brett Veach is prioritizing keeping the core group together.
The Chiefs are currently +650 to win their third straight Super Bowl. If Veach is successful in keeping the band in tact for one more year, that feels like a bargain.
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