No matter the timeline of Xavier Worthy's potential return, the Kansas City Chiefs would be wise to add to the position. Rashee Rice will be out until the middle of October and will need time to get back up to speed. Veteran Hollywood Brown is incredibly injury-prone, and when Worthy is able to join the lineup, there are questions about how he will hold up. The one consistent concern prior to the shoulder injury was how the slightly built pass catcher would hold up.
With this in mind, there is every reason for Kansas City to be aggressive in looking for possible additions to the position over the next weeks of the season. Leading to four clear fits that could help push the offense back to the top of the league.
1. Tyreek Hill
This is the obvious fit that Kansas City fans are already pointing to after the Miami Dolphins' Week 1 implosion. It doesn't take a body language expert to tell you Hill isn't happy with how things are going with the Dolphins. The veteran receiver quit on the team a season ago and wanted out of what appears to be an incredibly concerning culture. Losing to Daniel Jones and the Colts in the fashion that they did opens the door once again.
Hill will always be loved in Kansas City due to what he meant to Patrick Mahomes and the highlights that were so electric. Even at this late stage of his career, the receiver remains an elite target and would instantly fold back into Andy Reid's offense. The issue here is simply whether or not the Dolphins are getting ready to turn the page.
It is important to note that Hill's antics aren't exactly in line with Kansas City's culture or in any way accepted. However, the receiver was beloved as a Chief and would easily fold back into the roster even once Rice and Worthy make their respective returns. It makes far too much sense for the Chiefs not to at least reach out.
2. Odell Beckham Jr.
This is the bargain bin option the Chiefs should explore if they are simply looking to survive until the return of Rice. You already have a primary target who is now healthy and slated for a late fall return. It would make a level of sense not to empty the tank in landing a blockbuster target. Beckham is a household name whose career has reached a new low after a failed tenure with Miami. If there is any staff that can get something out of the aging veteran, it is Andy Reid's.
Consider that Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster was considered a huge risk for the Chiefs with knee issues and declining production. However, the former Steeler has fit right in and become an important piece for Mahomes and Reid's offense. Keeping this in mind, it makes sense to take a swing in free agency and attempt to replace Worthy with a cheaper option.
Beckham not only brings you possible upside as a proven producer but also remains an incredibly popular player. Having him on the sideline or in the huddle is an asset for a team that is already the face of the league. With this in mind, the Chiefs should at least reach out to see if the veteran is in game shape.
3. Chris Olave
Olave is quickly approaching a contract season stuck with an organization that lacks the cap space or motivation to pay the star market value. Olave hasn't been able to put up elite numbers due to a handful of injuries and a revolving door at the quarterback position. Derek Carr is arguably the best player the talented receiver has ever been able to play with. This helps illustrate why a change is so clearly needed.
Spencer Rattler isn't getting the job done and has shown a tendency to put his receivers in harm's way. The Chiefs can add Olave for a valuable pick and extend the receiver before his price skyrockets under Mahomes and Reid. However, this is where we do hit a bit of a roadblock, as motivated as the Saints should be, trading Olave incurs a large cap hit.
One that is going to make the move incredibly difficult to accomplish. Still, it is far too exciting of a potential fit not to consider. A lineup of Rice, Worthy, and Olave would turn back the clock to Mahomes putting up MVP numbers.
4. Amari Cooper
Yes, the veteran pass-catcher opted to retire rather than play for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, there is reason to wonder if a deal could be worked out to coax Cooper's return to the league's prestige franchise. It wasn't long ago that Cooper was catching passes from Joe Flacco in Cleveland and putting up impressive numbers. Even after last season's failure in Buffalo, there is reason to believe there is something left in the tank.
Stealing a player out of retirement from a hated division rival would simply be too enticing a deal to pass up. It is at least worth reaching out and seeing if Cooper has any regrets about walking away. This is another low-risk deal that doesn't require top draft picks or blockbuster compensation.
You give yourself a potentially high upside without spending top dollar. With this in mind, the Chiefs should at least reach out to Cooper's camp and find out if the receiver would have any interest in an early-season return for a far superior Kansas City roster.