Brett Veach’s opening statement from Thursday’s media conference call

On Thursday afternoon, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach — who is having a busy day — took some time to speak to the media in a conference call.

We’ll have a roundup of the questions and answers from the session a little later. But until then, here’s Veach’s opening statement:

“This time of year is always a bittersweet way to start the season.

“On one end, we’re certainly excited about the new players that we’re going to add during this free agency period, and the draft is right around the corner [where we’ll] add some new young players to this organization as well.

“On the other end, change is inevitable. It’s always hard to move on from players that have been here, and I think it certainly makes it more difficult when the change involves longstanding members of the community and the locker room; I’m certainly talking about Eric Berry and Justin Houston. What two guys better exemplify that?

“As everyone knows, these guys were outstanding players. All the accomplishments on the field will certainly never be forgotten, but one of the things that Clark Hunt and Andy Reid and I willl always talk about is the impact they’ve had on the community, and the great things they’ve done for the people of Kansas City.

“So it’s certainly very difficult, but again, change is a part of this process.

“I’d also like to wish the best of luck to Steven Nelson, Mitch Morse and Demetrius Harris — all those guys. I’m really proud pf what they were able to do here, and really excited for them and [the] contracts they got. I’m excited for their families. All those guys were integral parts of our success.

“Also Dee Ford, of course. As you guys were made aware the other day, we were able to reach a trade with San Francisco for a 2020 second-round selection. [I’m] excited for Dee and his family. John Lynch got a great player. I feel like after the trade went through, both teams were in a good position moving forward.”

Stay tuned. We’ll have more from the session soon.