Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends

In the high-octane offense of the Kansas City Chiefs, the tight end position has long been a cornerstone—from blocking for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to creating mismatches in the passing game. This season, as the Chiefs chase another Super Bowl run, they’ve made a key addition to strengthen this group: signing veteran tight end Nick Keizer. After spending time with teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings, Keizer brings a unique blend of blocking prowess and pass-catching ability to a Chiefs tight end room that’s been navigating injuries and role shifts. Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends explores how this under-the-radar signing addresses the Chiefs’ immediate needs, complements their offensive scheme, and adds depth that could prove crucial in the playoffs. For the Chiefs, Keizer isn’t just a fill-in—he’s a strategic piece that enhances one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.

Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends begins with a look at Keizer’s journey through the NFL, which has shaped him into the versatile tight end the Chiefs need. Undrafted out of Grand Valley State in 2018, Keizer spent his rookie season on the Ravens’ practice squad before making his NFL debut in 2019. Over the next few years, he bounced between active rosters and practice squads, with stints in Baltimore and Minnesota, where he developed a reputation as a reliable “do-it-all” tight end. In 2022, with the Vikings, Keizer started 8 games, recording 12 receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown while also earning high marks for his blocking (graded 72.3 by Pro Football Focus for run blocking that season). What sets Keizer apart is his ability to excel in both phases of the game: he can line up as an in-line blocker to protect Mahomes or open holes for running backs, then shift to a slot receiver role to exploit slower linebackers in coverage. “Nick’s not a one-trick pony,” said a former Vikings assistant coach. “He takes pride in blocking just as much as catching, and that’s rare for tight ends these days. He understands that in an offense like the Chiefs’, you have to contribute in every way—and he’s built for that.”

Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends continues with the Chiefs’ specific needs at tight end that made Keizer an ideal fit. This season, the Chiefs’ tight end group has faced challenges: starting tight end Travis Kelce, while still elite, has dealt with minor knee soreness that led to limited reps in practice, and backup Jody Fortson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 10 that sidelined him for three games. Beyond injuries, the Chiefs have been looking for a tight end who can handle heavy blocking duties, allowing Kelce to focus more on the passing game. In their run-heavy packages, the Chiefs often use two tight ends to create extra blocking for running backs like Isiah Pacheco—but without a reliable second blocker, they’ve had to shift offensive linemen or wide receivers into blocking roles, which limits their playcalling. Keizer’s arrival fixes that: his strong run-blocking grade from 2022 means he can step in immediately as the “blocking tight end,” freeing Kelce to line up in the slot or out wide, where he’s most dangerous. “We need someone who can hold their own in the run game so Travis can do what he does best,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. “Nick has proven he can block at an NFL level, and that takes pressure off our entire offense. He lets us run the plays we want to run without compromising on either blocking or passing.”

Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends shifts to how Keizer’s skill set aligns with the Chiefs’ offensive scheme—and why this synergy is key for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs’ offense is built on flexibility: they use multiple tight end sets, motion, and shifting to confuse defenses, and they need tight ends who can adapt to different roles on every play. Keizer’s experience in both blocking and pass-catching makes him a perfect fit for this system. For example, in a “12 personnel” set (1 running back, 2 tight ends), Keizer can line up in-line to block, while Kelce moves to the slot. On the next play, Keizer can shift to the slot, drawing a linebacker out of the box, and Kelce can line up as an in-line blocker—creating a mismatch that the Chiefs can exploit. Keizer also has the hands to contribute in the passing game when called upon: his career catch rate of 68% (23 catches on 34 targets) shows he’s reliable when the ball comes his way, which means defenses can’t ignore him to double-team Kelce. “In our offense, every player has to be a threat,” said Mahomes. “If a defense thinks they can leave a tight end open to focus on me or Travis, we’ll pick them apart. Nick gives us another option—he can catch, he can block, and that makes us harder to defend. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that’s the kind of depth that wins games.”

Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends delves into the immediate impact Keizer has had since joining the Chiefs—and how it’s benefiting the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first three games with the team, Keizer played 35% of the offensive snaps, mostly in run-blocking situations. In Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he helped the Chiefs rush for 156 yards (their highest total of the season) by opening up holes for Pacheco, including a key block on a 22-yard run that set up a touchdown. He also got involved in the passing game, catching 2 passes for 18 yards on 2 targets—including a crucial third-down reception that extended a drive in the fourth quarter. Beyond the stats, Keizer’s presence has allowed the Chiefs to rest Kelce more in practice, keeping their star fresh for games. “Having Nick here has been a game-changer for our practice reps,” said Kelce. “I can take a breath during blocking drills, knowing he’s out there getting the job done, and that helps me stay sharp for Sundays. He’s a team player, and that’s exactly what we need in this locker room.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this immediate contribution isn’t a surprise—it’s why they signed Keizer: to step in and make a difference right away, without needing weeks to learn the playbook.

Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends wraps up with the long-term value of Keizer’s signing for the Kansas City Chiefs—and why it’s a smart investment for their future. At 29 years old, Keizer is in the prime of his career, with plenty of football left in him. While Kelce (34) is still playing at an elite level, the Chiefs have been planning for the future at tight end, and Keizer provides a reliable bridge between Kelce and the younger tight ends on the roster (like third-year player Noah Gray). Keizer’s experience also makes him a mentor for these young players, teaching them the nuances of blocking and route-running in the Chiefs’ system. Beyond that, Keizer’s low-cost contract (a one-year deal worth $1.2 million) means the Chiefs haven’t tied up significant cap space, allowing them to retain other key players. “Nick is the kind of signing that balances today and tomorrow,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “He helps us win now by strengthening our tight end room, and he helps us build for later by mentoring our young guys. He fits our culture, he plays hard, and he’s exactly what we look for in a Kansas City Chief.” In the end, Nick Keizer Bolsters the Kansas City Chiefs Tight Ends is a story about finding the right player for the right role. For the Chiefs, Keizer isn’t a headline-grabbing star—but he’s a critical piece that makes their offense more complete, more flexible, and more dangerous. As they head into the playoffs, that’s the kind of addition that could help them hoist another Lombardi Trophy.