The Kansas City Chiefs have a difficult decision to make when it comes to the future of Rashee Rice. The 2026 season represents the final year of Rice's rookie contract, meaning the Chiefs will soon have to decide whether they're ready to make a long-term commitment to the polarizing wide receiver.
If the Chiefs are willing to overlook Rice's off-field concerns to keep him in town, though, that situation is suddenly looking more expensive than ever. On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Seattle Seahawks have extended star WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a four-year, $168.6 million contract.
"The deal averages $42.15 million per year and includes over $120 million guaranteed, both setting records for any wide receiver."Adam Schefter, ESPN
With Smith-Njigba resetting the price for WR-related contracts, one can only assume that keeping Rice in Kansas City will be a pricy venture.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Extension Puts Chiefs at Crossroads with Rashee Rice
For starters, Rice and Smith-Njigba come from the same draft class, so there's already a natural comparison there. Of course, the Chiefs' WR will see what his classmate just earned and will likely seek similar compensation.
While Smith-Njigba is obviously worth more than Rice, the contract resets the market and pushes the price to re-sign the 25-year-old playmaker in the wrong direction.
Rice made an immediate impact as a rookie, hauling in 79 balls for 939 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games. Unfortunately, a combination of injuries and disciplinary issues has limited him to 12 appearances in the last two seasons, in which he posted a 77-859-7 stat line.
As much potential as Rice might have, the Chiefs can't pay him JSN-like money until he shows that he can stay on the field for a full season.
Could a Trade Be in the Cards?
As crazy as it might feel to suggest trading Rice, it could be something general manager Brett Veach considers. As mentioned before, former SMU Mustang is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and if the Chiefs aren't open to extending this relationship, they could look to trade him rather than lose him to free agency.
Even if it isn't the best return, Kansas City might view getting something back for his exit as better than nothing.
In other words, the 2026 season will be pivotal for Rice's future. If he avoids another suspension and plays out the year, he'll need to prove that he's a WR1 week in and week out if he wants to come close to Smith-Njigba's payday.
It's only going to become more expensive to keep Rice in town as each new wideout contract is signed. Hopefully, he figures out how to prove to the Chiefs that his performance can match his next potential financial figure.
Otherwise, it'll be time to rethink his time in Kansas City.