After three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Skyy Moore has been traded to the 49ers. A split seemed guaranteed after Moore’s performance against the Seahawks on Friday, failing to record a catch on two targets.
He dropped one of those targets that was an easy, wide-open catch that he failed to come down with. You could tell not only in preseason, but last year as well, that he was slowly losing confidence, and Friday’s loss was just another example.
With Moore out of the picture, Tyquan Thornton officially secures a roster spot at the bottom of the depth chart in a crowded receiving room.
Tyquan Thornton Secures Roster Spot
Heading into camp, Tyquan Thornton had an uphill battle to make the roster. The Chiefs entered camp with five of their receiver spots secured, meaning there was only one left for the taking.
Thornton had to compete against Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio, Jason Brownlee, and Mac Dalena for the final spot. Quickly, Thornton stood out with his electric speed, instantly building a connection with Patrick Mahomes.
Another absolutely RIDICULOUS pass from Mahomes and another amazing grab from… yep you guessed it… Tyquan Thornton 👀
— Daily Chiefs (@Daily_Chiefs_) August 5, 2025
🎥 | @TaylorBurr10 pic.twitter.com/9x9L0QZdj5
Before long, Thornton was earning first-team reps, making the most out of the opportunity. In two preseason games, Thornton recorded two receptions for 29 yards, receiving a 75.2 overall grade per PFF.
Before joining the Chiefs' practice squad last November, Thornton played three seasons for the Patriots, where he was selected in the second round in the 2022 draft. He rose up draft boards with his incredible 4.28 40-yard dash time and was expected to help stretch the field. However, he was unable to improve his route running, while the Patriots failed to utilize his speed, ultimately leading to the Patriots releasing him.
In his tenure with New England, Thornton recorded 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns. Now, with mastermind Andy Reid as his coach, Thornton is in a much better position to succeed.
Reid will take advantage of Thornton’s speed and use him to help stretch the field. Thornton had some success with end-arounds in New England, which gives Reid another option of using him as a gadget player.
Hopefully, Thornton’s impressive camp can continue into the regular season, as they’ll need him to make an impact once Rashee Rice is suspended.