Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirmed to reporters on Thursday that the team has, in fact, signed free agent DT Danny Shelton.
Shelton’s signing hasn’t been made official yet on the league’s personnel notice, but it was reported earlier in the week. The 28-year-old defensive tackle wasn’t spotted at practice on Thursday, likely spending the day getting situated, passing a physical, and taking his conditioning test.
Reid was asked about what he thought the team would be getting in Shelton. He’s confident that they’re getting a talented player and athlete, but also a bit of a kindred spirit for the Chiefs’ head coach.
“I think we’ll get a lot out of him,” Reid said of Shelton. “He’s a big guy. He’s a big kid, right? He’s really a gifted athlete, for as big as he is, he’s a gifted athlete. He’s had some real productive snaps. He was with the Giants last year and had some productive snaps there. He and I could probably afford to lose a couple (of pounds) and I think he’ll do that as we go forward.”
Shelton (6-2, 345 pounds) has the reputation of being an excellent run stopper. He’s coming off of what was considered to be a down year in New York, but as Reid mentioned, he’s had some productive snaps throughout his career. From 2016-2018, Shelton didn’t have a run defense grade lower than 72.8 per Pro Football Focus.
The Chiefs seem to hope they can get some more productivity out of the veteran should he make the 53-man roster. He fits the mold for what new DL coach Joe Cullen seems to like in terms of a 1-tech and 0-tech defensive tackle. He also has the pedigree, being a former first-round pick back in 2015.
As for whether Shelton will be suiting up for the preseason game in Chicago this Saturday, that seems unlikely. The team has been easing new players and players returning from injury into action at training camp. Expect them to do the same with preseason Week 1.
