NFL free agency rumors: Chiefs in on TE Brandon Pettigrew

For the second time this season, the Kansas City Chiefs are linked to a free agent tight end. According to a report from Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free-Press, the KC Chiefs are one of the teams "in the mix" for free agent tight end Brandon Pettigrew, formerly of the Detroit Lions.

For everyone on the Pettigrew watch, sounds like the Lions, Raiders, Chiefs and Jets are the teams in the mix.

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 13, 2014

The other free agent tight end was Jermichael Finley, who has yet to receive medical clearance and was rumored to have drawn the Chiefs interest. Finley was in Green Bay with former Chiefs GM John Dorsey.

As for Pettigrew, the 2009 first round pick spent the last five seasons with the Lions, accumulating 284 receptions in their high volume passing offense. He played in 14 games last season and put up the lowest numbers since his rookie year -- 41 receptions for 416 yards and two touchdowns. His best season came in 2011 with 83 receptions for 777 yards and five touchdowns.

Pettigrew stands 6'5 and weighs 257 pounds. He's an interesting option over the middle of the field. Pettigrew is in a similar mold as Finley so that must be the type of player the Chiefs feel they need to add. It's interesting to note that in-house already is Anthony Fasano, who signed a 4-year deal last year, and Travis Kelce, the 2013 third round pick who was hurt last year.

Pursuing tight ends makes me wonder how confident the Chiefs are in Kelce, who seems like a similar receiving threat. His knee injury was serious last year but we haven't heard much else beyond that.

Also of note is that the Jets are among the contenders. Their offensive coordinator is Marty Mornhinweg, who was with Andy Reid for years.

Track all the Chiefs free agency rumors here.