The Kansas City Chiefs need to rebuild the wide receiver room after a frustrating season. Of note, only Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are set to return, making it clear that major changes are coming to the position. However, one name that could stay in the AFC West but donning a new uniform is downfield threat Tyquan Thornton. The receiver makes perfect sense as a potential target for Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
Thornton is coming off the best season of his career, finishing 2025 with 438 receiving yards and a trio of touchdowns. While it was enough to get Thornton paid, there is reason to wonder if it will be the Chiefs who are willing to give the receiver the deal. Denver makes sense given the existing rivalry and the Broncos' clear need to provide Bo Nix with better support, giving the quarterback a piece capable of making an impact down the field.
Denver's playoff exit was defined by a lack of reliable targets, forcing the quarterback to make questionable throws where there simply wasn't space. Bringing in Thornton helps change this, adding a known deep threat coming off an impressive season with a division rival. It wouldn't be the first time a notable Chief has signed with the Broncos in recent memory, with former Kansas City pass rusher Frank Clark signing with the rival ahead of the 2023 season.
Tyquan Thornton Could Stay in the AFC West and Sign with Chiefs' Rival
Thornton landing in Denver makes sense for the Broncos for all the reasons above. When it comes to the Chiefs, however, it is fair to wonder if allowing Thornton to walk away and starting fresh behind the starting duo of Rice and Worthy is the right move. Thornton just had a career year and will be paid for it in free agency.
According to Spotrac, Thornton is projected to garner a deal with a market value of $2.8 million. This isn't a huge number, but for a franchise that doesn't have much cap space to spare, it makes sense that it could be a bit rich for the Chiefs' blood based on one average season. While it was a breakout year for Thornton, this was thanks to his complete lack of production during his time in New England.
Denver stepping in to steal the receiver while Kansas City willingly lets a player walk away after a career year is an increasingly possible scenario. However, it is one that fans shouldn't be all that upset over, understanding that Thornton is easily replaceable. GM Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid will be looking to rebuild the depth chart at the position to best support Mahomes, who is coming off season-ending surgery. No question, whether it is with a division rival or landing elsewhere, it seems very likely that Thornton walks away.