Chiefs Decide to Keep Flawed Preseason Star on Official Roster

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kansas City Chiefs fans will be excited with the news that Tyquan Thornton has made the final roster. This has been the expectation ever since Skyy Moore was dealt away earlier in the preseason. Still, it is exciting to see the move made official by a savvy front office. Thornton's promise has always been tantalizing, but the needed consistency has been lacking throughout his career. The receiver's career started with New England after the Patriots selected the Baylor alum 50th overall.

It was viewed as yet another bust for the Patriots at the position and allowed the Chiefs to bring in Thornton on a practice squad deal at the end of the 2024 season. Spending time in the offense last year paid off with the young speedster getting off to an incredible start in camp. Thornton made it clear that if he was cut, it would be due to past struggles, not what he put on the field ahead of the 2025 season.

Kansas City fans should remain excited, but must understand that this move is being made despite a number of red flags. There is a reason a franchise desperate for production from the position moved on from him easily a season ago. Thornton is yet to prove he can contribute, and one great camp and preseason doesn't change this. Something to keep in mind, even amid the excitement of Thornton making the roster.

Struggling WR Tyquan Thornton Makes Chiefs Final 53-Man Roster

Jordan Schultz reported that the Chiefs receiver was expected to make the final 53-man roster after an incredible preseason run. Thornton's speed and possible impact have never been in question, but this is the first extended run from the pass catcher that suggests perhaps a corner has been turned. However, it is an undeniable risk to hope for a higher ceiling than safer choices that were jettisoned in final cuts.

Skyy Moore is one example, with the veteran being dealt to the San Francisco 49ers to help make room for Thornton to make the final roster. Moore's impact in the return game and as a depth receiver was proven. Even with the known struggles, it was the safe choice to simply run it back with Moore and make the obvious choice. However, this puts zero value on preseason and camp production.

Thornton won the role based on his incredible effort that consistently showed up both in camp and in preseason action. It was impossible to ignore this and not at least give the elite speed a chance to find a home within Andy Reid's offense.

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