The Kansas City Chiefs' lack of additions to the receiver position remains one of the few concerns as we work our way towards training camp. Parting ways with Hollywood Brown and JuJu-Smith Schuster was the right decision and would seemingly invite an upgrade. Instead, Kansas City has opted to bet on its current depth chart and left the team in a concerning position of relying on Tyquan Thornton at an incredibly high level.
It's all too feasible that KC could be looking at some point in the 2026 season at utilizing Thornton as a primary option at the position if the team's recent history suggests anything. And while he would no doubt be willing to show up to the challenge, Thornton's skill level and play style are best suited as a third or fourth option.
It isn't a secret that Rashee Rice cannot be relied on, and Xavier Worthy, for two years now, has been incredibly inconsistent. Worthy's biggest concern is being able to stay on the field, with a slight build lending itself to further injury concerns. Whereas Rice, who has also dealt with injuries, has unquestionably been the definition of unreliable due to poor off-the-field decisions that leave his ability to stay on the field as an ever-present question.
All of this adds up to explain why the Chiefs are in their current position at receiver, with a very feasible path to being forced to turn to Thornton as a primary weapon. This is far from ideal and should push GM Brett Veach to make one last move at the position.
Chiefs must add receiving help to alleviate potential pressure on Thornton
Thornton had a career-high 438 receiving yards in the 2025 season and a trio of touchdowns. These numbers far surpass the combined production of the previous three seasons spent with the New England Patriots, where it appeared the pass-catcher was a draft bust. While last season proved that this narrative might be inaccurate, there is no getting around the lack of a resume Thornton has put together to warrant being a primary option.
Still, the Chiefs haven't made a move to take away this possibility, opting to bet on the current starting trio with rookie Cyrus Allen and second-year pass catcher Jalen Royals as the current depth. And while it'd be great for the two to emerge, the chances of that happening with day three draft selection have never ever been high in the NFL, and it's wild that this is what Kansas City is relying on.
The options in free agency have dwindled a bit, but there are still quality options waiting to be signed. Being one or two moves away from Thornton thrust into a role he should never be expected to fill should serve as the needed wake-up call for Kansas City to utilize the final weeks of the offseason to cap off the roster with one final move.
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