Chiefs won’t tender restricted free agent TE Deon Yelder

The Kansas City Chiefs won’t be tendering a restricted free agent who has been on the 53-man roster during each of the past three seasons.

Chiefs restricted free agent TE Deon Yelder will not be tendered a contract offer as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Kansas City Star beat writer Herbie Teope confirmed the report.

Yelder originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky with the New Orleans Saints in 2018. He failed to make their 53-man roster cuts or latch on with their practice squad. This created an opportunity for him to join Kansas City, a team he’d taken a top-30 visit with ahead of the draft.

Yelder was first signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad in October of 2018 and was elevated to the 53-man roster just two weeks later. The former college walk-on has been the No. 3 tight end in Kansas City ever since his elevation, appearing in 26 games while starting in two games during that span.

Yelder had an audition in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers this season, but only caught 2-of-6 targets for six yards. He’ll finish his Chiefs career with 10 catches on 15 targets for 86 yards. He was known primarily for his ability as a run-blocker and his play on special teams during his time in Kansas City.

Yelder is one of five restricted free agents that the Chiefs will need to make decisions on in the coming days ahead of the NFL’s free agency period which begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 17.

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