The Kansas City Chiefs have long had a problem at wide receiver. With Rashee Rice serving a suspension, the organization has been forced to look to unexpected options such as Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee.
Both have impressed, but that doesn't mean that general manager Brett Veach won't hesitate to look for improvements if the current group doesn't impress.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has become a fan favorite thanks in large part to his stellar blocking efforts, and now one new veteran wideout who serves the same role just became available.
#Steelers WR Robert Woods asked for and was granted his release from Steelers practice squad, and a source says he only wants to continue playing if he’s on a 53-man roster and playing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2025
The #Steelers handled the request solidly and understood.
Chiefs Have New WR Free Agent Target That's a Perfect JuJu Smith-Schuster Clone
As reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Robert Woods asked for and was granted his release from the organization's practice squad.
He only wants to continue playing in the league if he'll be on an active roster and receive playing time, which creates questions for the 33-year-old receiver. Woods is an excellent run blocker and possession threat, which gives him value to a team like the Chiefs.
On that topic, Woods ranked as one of the best run-blocking wide receivers at Pro Football Focus in recent seasons, notching 288 "Run Block Wins" in the last five years, which puts him second among all qualified players at the position. Smith-Schuster's entire value proposition is the same. He blocks well and can be trusted.
Woods can do the same, and given that the Chiefs are currently relying upon guys like Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and Jason Brownlee, Woods' experience would provide a large boost. He could take the field early in the season and be an underneath option, then settle into a depth role or move on to his next endeavor if things don't work out.
At the very least, it's worth having a conversation. Andy Reid truly values run-blocking receivers, that's the whole reason Smith-Schuster came back. With an inexperienced offensive line and mediocre players rushing behind it, the team needs as much solid blocking as it can get. Smith-Schuster and Woods are two of the very best run-blocking players at the position in the NFL, so why not take a flier while you have guys like Rice and likely Jalen Royals out?
We'll see if Reid takes the chance, but Woods could provide value in the first six weeks of the season that Kansas City won't get otherwise.