Kansas City Chiefs: Signing Jason Avant Won't Make a Big Difference on Offense

Doug Hendrickson, Jason Avant’s agent, tweeted that the wide receiver has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after being cut by the Carolina Panthers earlier this week. Avant played for Chiefs coach Andy Reid for seven years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Avant played eight years total, the last one under Chip Kelly’s guidance.

The signing comes after the Chiefs announced that wide receiver A.J. Jenkins has been placed on injured reserve. Donnie Avery has missed the last seven games, making it tougher on Kansas City’s thin depth at wide receiver.

There are a few reasons why Kansas City decided to snag Avant. Along with injuries, the Chiefs desperately need help at wide receiver considering the fact that the Chiefs have not thrown a touchdown pass to a wide receiver the entire season. Alex Smith has thrown 13 touchdowns this year—all connecting with either running backs, tight ends and once to his fullback.

In addition to helping Kansas City’s receiving corps, Avant has seven years of experience playing for Reid.

Avant has a lot of familiarity with Reid, his offense and what his expectations are. With more than a calendar week to prepare for the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football, Avant should have plenty of time to get to know Smith and the rest of his new teammates on the field.

By the time the Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium to play host to the Broncos, expect Avant to be available. It is up in the air whether or not he starts but expecting him to be active isn’t a stretch.

Due to his knowledge of Reid’s offense, he can not only help the current players understand it better but also help the receivers execute better, which is crucial after the lack of activity from the wide receivers through 11 games.

Avant should help players, such as Dwayne Bowe, do a little bit better on the field. While fairly accurate, Smith had a hard time completing passes on Thursday in Oakland as some passes were either under or overthrown.

As for production on the field, can Avant make a major difference? It is hard to think he could after recording 21 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown—more touchdowns than all of Kansas City’s wide receivers this year. In fact, throughout Avant’s career as an on and off starter, he has not had any numbers to prove he can make a big impact.

Smith will target Avant a lot through the next five games and in the postseason if Kansas City extends its season. But if you are expecting Avant to skyrocket the Chiefs from their 31st placement in the league in passing, that is asking a lot.

Avant will likely be a targeted player and key option on third down. During a down season for the Panthers, Avant was fourth on the team in moving the chains through the year, catching 10 passes that translated into first downs.

In Avant’s seven years playing for Reid, he caught 259 passes for 3,199 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his career altogether, he’s collected 318 receptions for 3,847 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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