When the Kansas City Chiefs' star receiver Rashee Rice first returned in the 2025 season from suspension, it appeared it was the perfect moment to begin thinking about a possible extension. The receiver is still on his rookie contract and will be eligible for a new contract at the end of the year. Paying the receiver coming off a down season would save cap space; however, now there is reason to be concerned about Rice's future, as deciding to allow the receiver to play out his rookie contract might make the most sense for Kansas City in the end.
Rice already had off-the-field concerns after receiving a six-game suspension for breaking the league's conduct policy. This, within itself, is enough reason for the Chiefs to be cautious when it comes to handing Rice a long-term deal. Even if the pass catcher had an incredible finish to the season, there is reason to wonder if he should be extended due to these concerns.
Now, this isn't the only issue facing the Chiefs with Rice, as the receiver was underwhelming over his final games of the season. Rice dropped the ball more than once against the Houston Texans in a game where the Chiefs badly needed their stars to deliver. This would give Rice six drops on the season and add to the reasons why Kansas City can no longer entertain an extension for an extremely talented, yet inconsistent player.
Chiefs Must Wait on Possible Rice Extension After Unsettling End to 2025 Season
Rice finished the season with 571 receiving yards and five touchdowns, pointing to his value even if the performance wasn't consistent. The issues facing Rice are the concerns off the field and the lack of consistency when the Chiefs needed him most. Against the Houston Texans with the season on the line, not only did Rice drop the ball, but the wideout also had only 34 receiving yards and followed this up by only averaging 7.3 yards per catch against the Los Angeles Chargers.
With the season on the line, Rice came up small, and this has to be taken note of when thinking about an extension. The marginal savings the Chiefs would earn by extending the receiver now aren't worth the risk. Rice should be forced to play out his rookie contract and allow the Chiefs to pay other playmakers while continuing to evaluate his future.
Adding to the case for halting any extension talks is the fact that the Chiefs have a myriad of offseason needs. With Patrick Mahomes working his way back from ACL surgery, every bit of Kansas City's focus should be on finding ways to bolster the depth chart and support a quarterback who has had far too much on his shoulders over the past two seasons.
Rice is still expected to be a part of the solution, but the pass catcher hasn't done enough to earn a payday. Kansas City needs to see a complete season played at a high level and any off-the-field concerns cleared before deciding on the receiver's future.