The Kansas City Chiefs are playing their best football of the season right now. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and Rashee Rice's return has taken that unit to the next level. It doesn't sound like they will be kicking a lot of field goals any time soon.
However, that's not an area where they can afford to take any chances. And, judging by their newfound tendency to go for it on fourth down deep into opponent territory, head coach Andy Reid might not trust Harrison Butker as much as he used to. That's why this team should make the most of the Washington Commanders' latest decision.
The Chiefs Should Sign Matthew Wright
Following their loss to the Chiefs, the Commanders announced that they were releasing K Matthew Wright from their practice squad. Wright joined the team shortly before the game to replace the injured Matt Gay, who will now reclaim his spot as the starter.
That's great news for the Chiefs, as Wright has already been with the organization three times, so he's clearly more than familiar with special teams coordinator Dave Toub and how he operates. Kansas City must get him there, even if it's just for the practice squad and to put some pressure on Butker.
Wright first joined the Chiefs' practice squad in September 2022. He made three of four field goals in two appearances, including a then-franchise record 49-yard field goal. He also knocked down all eight PATs.
Wright returned to Arrowhead Stadium as a practice squadder in 2023, but he failed to make an appearance even though he was activated for the regular-season finale. Then, he returned in November 2024 when the team needed someone to replace the injured Butker.
He was elevated in December and knocked down eight of nine field goal attempts, including a game-winning field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers that clinched the AFC West. This season, Wright has made all of his field goals and PAT attempts.
Butker, for comparison's sake, has missed three field goals and three PATs this season. The coaching staff has had his back, but the fact that they continue going for it on fourth down instead of kicking field goals suggests that the coaching staff may not feel as confident about Butker delivering in the clutch as they once did. This team has Super Bowl aspirations, and as such, they can't afford to have any weak link, not even if we're talking about a three-time Super Bowl champion like Butker.