The Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason saw the addition of new free agents and the departures of trusted veterans. The various new members for the upcoming season will need to be vital to the team’s attempt to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2023.
The Chiefs signed wide receiver Richie James at the start of free agency to help bolster the position and add stability to the special teams’ return game. He goes from being a reliable target for Daniel Jones and the New York Giants to possibly playing a similar role with the Chiefs.
The veteran receiver opened up about the transition to Kansas City from New York while speaking with reporters at Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s charity softball game.
“It’s been great. It’s different obviously. Everybody shows up, as you can see,” James recently told Jesse Newell of the KC Star. “This is one of the craziest fan bases I’ve seen, been a part of. I love it.”
James led all Giants wide receivers with 57 receptions last season and hauled in seven touchdowns for 569 receiving yards. He will have opportunities in the return game after struggles last year with Skyy Moore and others, as James finished 2022 with 24 punt returns for 174 yards with a 7.3-yard average.
“Just taking advantage of the opportunity that’s been given to me over the years,” said James. “Obviously, a seventh-round draft pick, so you don’t get too many opportunities. You just take advantage of them.”
James maintains that he’s ready to play everywhere and anywhere called upon, showing faith in his new coaches on offense and special teams. Asked about the opportunity and what he liked about it, his response was telling.
“Everything,” He said. “It’s very similar offenses, and you got the smartest and the greatest head coach you can possibly ask for.”
Brett Veach’s comments on James back in April suggest that the Chiefs were interested in the talented young receiver even before he worked with Mike Kafka in New York in 2022. That season of play and production has made for an easy transition in Kansas City, which should be beneficial for James once training camp begins in July.
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