For too long, Kansas City Chiefs fans have hoped the team would find a reliable wide receiver for Patrick Mahomes. And while the search will probably continue into next offseason, the search for a Tyquan Thornton replacement has been top of mind at One Arrowhead Drive.
According to Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs are among the teams interested in signing Justin Watson. Instead of trading for a high-upside guy, like a Brian Thomas Jr. from Jacksonville, they're once again looking for familiarity.
The Chiefs have often made a run at players past their prime or brought back guys just because of their knowledge of Andy Reid's offensive system. That's why it's unsurprising to hear that might be the case again, with Watson's signing seeming increasingly likely.
Justin Watson may be a stopgap, but he's not the answer at receiver for KC
This is just classic Chiefs. Do you want A.J. Brown? We have Marques Valdez-Scantling at home. Do you need Stefon Diggs? What about past-his-prime JuJu Smith-Schuster? The list goes on and on; that has been the case for years.
Once again, the Chiefs are more likely to bring someone past his prime or who has already played for Reid than to go after a younger guy who could turn out to be a star. Hell, they might even go 2-for-1 by bringing Tyreek Hill back, despite the fact that he's coming off a major injury and might not be the same again.
Watson had some solid moments in his three years with the Chiefs, but he was never a true needle-mover. He was a part of two Chiefs Super Bowl-winning teams, logging 64 catches for 1,064 yards and seven scores in 50 games with the organization.
Chiefs fans might remember him fondly for his two crucial receptions in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVIII, and he does bring some familiarity and another vertical threat, but he's not the star this team needs. He's a depth guy, a run-blocking wide receiver who won't draw more than five targets on a good day.
We're talking about a player who, despite their plethora of injuries, couldn't even make the Houston Texans' 53-man roster this season. It's not personal, and sure, he might be helpful here and there, but Watson cannot be the sole addition at receiver that the Chiefs choose to make.
Rashee Rice's injury isn't thought to be long-term, but he still has yet to prove he can be a premier option for a whole season. Tyquan Thornton will lose most of the season, if not all. This team can't afford to play it safe; they must give their superstar quarterback more to work with.
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