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At about 7 p.m. Arrowhead Time on a quiet Thursday night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke news that the Kansas City Chiefs had struck a one-year deal with free-agent wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin began his career with the Carolina Panthers but was traded to the Buffalo Bills last season. The Bills cut Benjamin earlier this week.
Former Bills’ WR Kelvin Benjamin is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, per source. Another weapon for stretch run.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 7, 2018
The speculation began when Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest thought he spotted Benjamin at the Chiefs’ practice facility Thursday afternoon...
We think we think we just saw Kelvin Benjamin leaving the Chiefs training complex.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) December 6, 2018
It was later confirmed Derrick was right, via Schefter. Then this unconfirmed report came through, saying that Benjamin stopped at a Kansas City staple on his tour.
hey guys I’m three Miller lites deep at the peanut and kelvin benjamin JUST walked through the door
— GAT (@sprotsGAT) December 6, 2018
After the signing was official, again, via Schefter, there were rapid reactions...
A low-risk deal for the Chiefs. Andy Reid will get the chance to quickly integrate Kelvin Benjamin’s size into the offense in adding another red zone threat. https://t.co/KZtDhV2G4O
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) December 7, 2018
Quick thoughts on #Chiefs signing Kelvin Benjamin: interesting deal…feels low-risk, high reward, but wondering why it’s necessary. I don’t even know if he’s better than Chris Conley, taking into consideration complexity of Andy Reid offense. Both UFAs at season’s end.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) December 7, 2018
...and jokes.
Stretch, run are two words I would not of associated with Kelvin Benjamin https://t.co/G6CRSeGTaS
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) December 7, 2018
Kelvin Benjamin’s face when he realized his agent said KC not KFC.. pic.twitter.com/dn49MMa6iT
— David Nelson (@The_DNel_Exp) December 7, 2018
Kelvin Benjamin was winning games for the Kansas City Chiefs long before he signed with them pic.twitter.com/o3nH9TycSt
— Gunno (@GGGano_) December 7, 2018
Kelvin Benjamin is Cleveland Browns Dwayne Bowe. https://t.co/OaA91tkQ45
— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) December 7, 2018
if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl with Sammy Watkins and Kelvin Benjamin the Bills have to fold https://t.co/FP33gEI1se
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) December 7, 2018
Welcome to KC Kelvin Benjamin pic.twitter.com/HHgEuzNvTd
— JKuhn (@h8rproof82) December 7, 2018
Old friend His Dirkness posted a stat worth pondering...
Kelvin Benjamin last 3 seasons: 47.3 receiving yards per game
— His Dirkness (@HisDirknesS) December 7, 2018
Sammy Watkins last 3 seasons: 46.7 receiving yards per game
...and one final thought on the night from a loyal Chiefs fan and AP reader:
Kelvin Benjamin gonna make alot of people eat their words....... GODDAMNIT
— Countryboi567 (@Countryboi567) December 7, 2018
As is always the case in the NFL, time will tell.