Veteran wide receiver Jason Avant has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. The former Philadelphia Eagle and Carolina Panther reunited with his first coach Friday when the Chiefs announced the signing. Avant is in his ninth season and was in his first with the Panthers before being cut last week. He spent his first eight seasons in Philly, the first seven of those under Reid. Avant has caught 21 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown and was Carolina’s third receiver. Rumors have circulated that Avant was cut because he criticized the team earlier this week. Head coach Ron Rivera denied this, saying he wanted to younger players more playing time.
Avant quickly landed on his feet in Kansas City, reuniting with the man who brought him into the league in 2006. In his career, Avant has caught 318 passes for 3,847 yards and 13 touchdowns in 127 games. Under Reid, Avant was a solid third down receiver known for making the catch and getting the first down. His numbers under Reid were unspectacular yet solid, catching 259 passes in 100 games for a total of 3,199 yards and ten touchdowns.
Avant should help the struggling Chiefs wide receiver corps that has yet to get receiving touchdown from that position. It remains to be seen how much he will help but he should provide a nice veteran presence to the group and help take some pressure off them to make plays.