Ex-Lions tight end released by Kansas City Chiefs following NFL draft

ALLEN PARK — Veteran journeyman tight end Anthony Firkser was released by the Kansas City Chief following the 2025 NFL draft.

Firkser appeared in five games with the Detroit Lions in 2023. The Harvard alum played a role in the team’s run to the NFC title game that season, playing all three playoff games after carving out a late-season role.

The 30-year-old tight end has played for the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Chiefs and Lions during his seven-year NFL career. Firkser has 115 catches for 1,207 yards and five touchdowns during his career. His lone catch with the Lions went for 8 yards came in that memorable playoff run.

The Lions have a stable situation at tight end, with Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright back for another year as the team’s one-two punch. LaPorta is the pass-catching rising star and Wright is the trusted glue piece who handles most of the dirty work.

The NFL offseason is a period marked by strategic team building, roster adjustments, and the pursuit of championship success. One of the notable stories in recent times involves the Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise renowned for their innovative offense and championship pedigree. Amidst the NFL Draft, the Chiefs made a surprising move—releasing a former Detroit Lions tight end, a player who had shown promise but now finds himself seeking a new team. This article delves into the background of this player, the circumstances surrounding his release, the implications for the Chiefs, and what the future might hold for him.

The tight end in question is **T.J. Hockenson**, a talented and versatile player who began his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft (8th overall), Hockenson was widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in his class. Coming out of Iowa, he showcased exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and the ability to contribute both as a receiver and blocker.

During his time with the Lions, Hockenson quickly established himself as a key part of their offense. His rookie season was promising, and he continued to develop over the next few years, becoming a favorite target for Detroit’s quarterbacks. His combination of size (6’5”, 251 lbs), athleticism, and football IQ made him a matchup nightmare for defenses.

Hockenson’s tenure with the Lions was marked by several notable performances. In 2020, he posted 67 receptions for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable target in critical situations. His blocking prowess also contributed significantly to Detroit’s offensive schemes, especially in the run game.

In 2021, he continued to be a central figure, catching 61 passes for 593 yards and 4 touchdowns. His consistency and ability to make contested catches earned him recognition as one of the league’s emerging tight ends. Despite some injury setbacks that limited his games at times, Hockenson’s overall impact was clear.

*Trade to the Minnesota Vikings*

In 2022, the Lions traded Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings in a move that surprised many analysts. The trade was seen as a strategic decision by Detroit, aiming to acquire additional draft assets, and by Minnesota, seeking to bolster their passing attack. Hockenson’s arrival in Minnesota was highly anticipated, given his pedigree and on-field production.

During his stint with the Vikings, Hockenson continued to demonstrate his value, helping the team’s offense with his reception skills and blocking. His chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins was evident, and he played a vital role in Minnesota’s offensive schemes.

The Kansas City Chiefs, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have been one of the most innovative and successful teams in recent years. Their offensive philosophy emphasizes versatility, creativity, and exploiting mismatches, which has often involved utilizing tight ends effectively.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chiefs aimed to bolster their roster further. They focused on drafting young talent to complement their existing stars, particularly on offense. The draft saw a mix of offensive linemen, wide receivers, and defensive players, aligning with their strategy to maintain their competitive edge.

Amidst these roster moves, the Chiefs made a surprising decision: releasing T.J. Hockenson. The move was announced shortly after the draft concluded, signaling a shift in team priorities or roster composition.

Several factors may have contributed to the Chiefs’ decision:

1. **Roster Space and Cap Management**: NFL teams often release players to create salary cap space or to make room for draft picks and new signings. Hockenson’s contract, while not exorbitant, may have been a consideration in their cap strategy.

2. **Team Fit and Scheme Adjustments**: The Chiefs’ offensive scheme relies heavily on speed and versatility. While Hockenson is a talented player, the team might have assessed that their existing tight ends or other roster options better fit their system.

3. **Performance and Competition**: The Chiefs have a deep roster at the skill positions. The competition at tight end includes players like Travis Kelce, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, and emerging young players. With Kelce’s dominance, the team might have viewed Hockenson as surplus.

4. **Strategic Rebuild and Future Planning**: The Chiefs may be planning to develop younger players or draft a tight end in the upcoming draft, viewing Hockenson’s release as a way to reset the position.

The release of Hockenson underscores the team’s commitment to flexibility and roster optimization. It also reflects their confidence in Kelce’s ongoing dominance and the potential of younger or less established players.

Furthermore, this move signals that the Chiefs are always seeking the best fit for their system, even if it means parting ways with talented players. It demonstrates the dynamic nature of NFL rosters, where strategic decisions often involve balancing talent, salary cap, and scheme fit.

For Hockenson, being released by the Chiefs opens several paths:

– **Free Agency**: As an established veteran, Hockenson is expected to attract interest from multiple teams seeking to upgrade their tight end position.

– **Potential Suitors**: Teams with pass-heavy offenses or those in need of a reliable tight end might pursue Hockenson. This includes franchises like the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, or even a return to the Lions if they seek to bolster their pass-catching options.

– **Career Outlook**: Given his skill set, Hockenson remains a valuable asset. His blocking ability combined with his receiving skills makes him a versatile contributor. The next team he joins could see him as a primary or complementary tight end depending on their offensive scheme.

– **Legacy and Impact**: Hockenson’s career trajectory has been impressive. His early success and potential for further growth suggest he could be a key player for his next team, possibly even re-establishing himself as one of the top tight ends in the league.

The release of a former Lions tight end by the Kansas City Chiefs following the NFL Draft highlights the ever-changing landscape of professional football. While Hockenson’s departure might come as a surprise to some fans, it underscores the strategic and often unpredictable nature of roster management in the NFL.

For Hockenson, this juncture offers an opportunity to find a new team that aligns with his skills and career aspirations. For the Chiefs, it’s a move that reflects their ongoing quest for roster perfection and their confidence in their existing core.

As NFL teams continue to evaluate talent and adjust their rosters ahead of the upcoming season, stories like this remind us of the volatile, competitive, and dynamic environment that makes professional football so compelling. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where Hockenson lands and how he continues to impact the league.