The NFL offseason can feel like a long, slow baseball game in July. You watch the major moves happen early. Then you settle in for a seemingly endless lull. For some veteran free agents, that waiting game is a brutal test of patience. Their phones sit silent. Hope begins to fade. One such player knows this feeling all too well.
His story isn't about superstar stats. It is a story about grinding from the bottom. It is about heartbreaking setbacks. Now, a sudden spark of hope has emerged from the silence. A familiar name is back in the conversation.
That brings us to this week. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport posted a significant update on Thursday by reporting that free agent TE Jody Fortson, who tore his ACL and meniscus last year trying to recover an onside kick, has been fully cleared and is ready to sign with a team, per his agents. This news changes the entire landscape for the veteran. Suddenly, his long road back has a clear path forward.
Jody Fortson’s 2024 season ended cruelly last October. He went down in the final seconds against the Raiders with a severe injury. Then his future with the Chiefs, and the league for that matter, was immediately clouded. He faced yet another grueling rehabilitation process, leading Patrick Mahomes to voice his support for his injured teammate. Per Jordan Foote of Sports Illustrated, Mahomes had said, "You know how hard he's worked to get back from the injuries that he's had in the past."
A Welcomed Comeback for Kansas City?
Would it be worthwhile to bring Fortson back into the fold? There are issues facing this team that'd be solved with his addition. There's a significant drop-off in production behind superstar Travis Kelce, and Fortson already knows the playbook intimately. And he possesses a trusted rapport with Mahomes. Fortson even posted the news on his Instagram story.
Here’s the thing about Fortson. His value isn't just in his pass-catching. He is a versatile and selfless player. Mahomes had highlighted this: "He'll do whatever it takes to help your team win. You're like, 'Go block the middle linebacker,' he'll go block the middle linebacker." This mentality is pure gold for a coaching staff. He is a reliable red-zone target with four career touchdowns.
Of course, Kansas City will be cautious. His injury history is a real concern. And in all likelihood, the Chiefs will probably pass on him. However, his recent social media activity speaks volumes.
After a critic hinted he was finished, Fortson posted a powerful retort. It was a picture of his three Super Bowl rings. He placed them prominently on his middle finger. The message was clear. This fighter is far from done.
Kansas City may not need him, but they know him. And in December, familiarity beats potential. Jody Fortson’s not promising a comeback tour. He’s just saying he’s ready. No pity parties. Just pads and a prayer. As the man himself wrote on his Instagram story after the 2024 injury, “This will NOT be my final resting place.”