Tight end shares why the Chiefs wanted to sign him after the NFL Draft
Texas A&M tight end Tre Watson wasn’t surprised his name wasn’t one of the 257 called in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But things weren’t out just fine for Watson, who received an undrafted free agent contract from the Chiefs. NFL reporter Aaron Wilson said Watson received $249,000 guaranteed in his Chiefs contract.
In an interview with KRQE-TV in New Mexico, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Watson explained why the Chiefs wanted him.
“Going into the draft,” Watson said, “we kind of went in with no expectations. You know, multiple teams had draft grades on me, and obviously my name didn’t get called, but I am looking forward to this opportunity in Kansas City.
“They really enjoy that I am a hybrid tight end, my body size fits to where I can hold my own in the blocking game, and ... I can run fast enough to run routes and get open.”
Watson, who went to high school in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, had 21 catches for 280 yards and a touchdown last season with Texas A&M. He’s looking forward to learning from some of the Chiefs’ stars.
“It will be cool to go and learn from a lot of vets, guys like Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. It’s going to be exciting, a lot of fun,” Watson told the TV station.
Like other undrafted free agents, Watson is eager to show the other 31 NFL teams they made a mistake in not drafting him.
“I feel like I have always been overlooked as an athlete, from when I was younger, to middle school, high school (and) college,” Watson told KRQE. “I just always felt like I have been overlooked and now I am getting this opportunity on the biggest stage and I want to make the best of it. And regardless of the situation, regardless of what it is, I am going to do my job to the best of its ability.”
Other moves
Watson’s signing was part of the first wave of known moves the Chiefs made after the NFL Draft. Here are a few other notable rookie minicamp invitations.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 10:17 AM.
