The Kansas City Chiefs are losing punter Tommy Townsend to free agency, while bringing in depth behind All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce with the signing of Irv Smith Jr.
Smith Jr., a product of Alabama, has the talent to be a top-level NFL performer, but injuries in his career have kept his numbers below expectations. A second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, Smith Jr. played last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, with 18 catchers for 115 yards and one touchdown. His career totals are 109 catches for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns in 49 games. His career with the Vikings was short-circuited by a torn meniscus, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season.
Townsend is leaving the Chiefs to sign a two-year, $6 million deal with the Houston Texans, ending his four year run in Kansas City. The decision by Townsend leaves Matt Araiza as the only punter on the Chiefs roster. Araiza signed with Kansas City in February, after charges from an alleged rape by San Diego State football players in 2021 were dropped. In his final season in Kansas City, Townsend averaged 47.1 yards per punt with a net average of 41.9.
