The Kansas City Chiefs’ first preseason game of 2025 against the Arizona Cardinals ended in a narrow 20-17 loss, but the scoreline was secondary to the performances of players vying for a spot on the 53-man roster. While the first-team offensive and defensive units saw limited action, one player stood out above the rest, effectively silencing any debate about his place on the team: tight end Robert Tonyan.
Chiefs TE Robert Tonyan and rookie WR Jalen Royals tied for the lead in receptions with 3. Tonyan led the team in receiving yards (49). Royals led the team in targets (5).
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) August 10, 2025
Nicknamed “Big Bob” by star tight end Travis Kelce, Tonyan delivered a standout performance, leading the Chiefs with three receptions for 49 yards. His showing in the game was a culmination of an impressive training camp, where he has consistently demonstrated his value as a reliable pass-catcher and blocker. Tonyan has solidified his position as the clear No. 3 tight end behind Kelce and Noah Gray, and his performance against the Cardinals all but guarantees his spot on the final roster.
A nine-year NFL veteran, Tonyan brings a wealth of experience to Kansas City. His most notable season came in 2020 with the Green Bay Packers, when he tied Kelce for the league lead in receiving touchdowns among tight ends with an impressive 11. His connection with Kelce extends beyond the field, as Tonyan was the only Chief to join the superstar at Tight End University during the offseason, further honing his skills and chemistry with the team’s offensive system.
Tonyan is healthy for the first time in a while and got a head start by being on the Chiefs’ practice squad last year. Going to be a nice TE3. https://t.co/FymoJCbL2G
— Nick Roesch (@Nicolas_Roesch) August 10, 2025
Tonyan’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. A torn ACL in 2021 derailed his career, leading to stints with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings as he worked to regain his form. Now fully healthy, Tonyan appears revitalized and eager to make an impact. His time on Kansas City’s practice squad last season gave him a head start in learning the playbook, and his veteran presence could provide much-needed stability at the tight end position, which has seen a revolving door of players behind Kelce and Gray in recent years.
With Tonyan’s roster spot seemingly locked in, the competition behind him is fierce. Jared Wiley, Jake Briningstool, Tre Watson, and Geor’quarius Spivey are all vying for what could be just one additional tight end spot, as the Chiefs may opt to keep only four tight ends on the roster. Among them, Wiley appears to be the frontrunner, but Tonyan’s performance has raised the bar for everyone else.
The Chiefs have a history of leaning on their tight ends in critical moments, and Tonyan’s combination of experience, health, and playmaking ability makes him a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s system. After his performance against the Cardinals, there are no more questions—Robert Tonyan is here to stay.