The Kansas City Chiefs rolled the dice on the fastest wide receiver in his class when they took Xavier Worthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The upside was there, and Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes had a big need for a speedster after Tyreek Hill's departure.
Worthy showed glimpses of great play as a rookie, accumulating over 700 yards from scrimmage, 53 first downs, and nine touchdowns. But, as usual, Andy Reid didn't seem to want to put too much pressure on the rookie's plate.
Then, early last year, Worthy suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener, and he never looked truly healthy and comfortable for the remainder of the campaign. That's why now that he's admitted that the injury held him back, there will be no margin for excuses or error in year three.
“I’d definitely say that’s not a true indication of what I am,” Worthy told The Kansas City Star last month. “I was limited in certain things. I want to come back out here and show my ability and what I can do.”
It's now or never for Xavier Worthy and the Chiefs
Some had doubts about Worthy's ability to withstand the wear and tear of the pro game. Standing at 5'11" and 165 pounds, his light frame made many worry about Worthy being injury-prone. But three full seasons in college and 20 games his rookie year, playoffs included, proved the doubters wrong.
Whatever the case, he's a former first-round pick entering year three, so it might be now or never for him. Also, with all the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice, the WR1 spot is there for the taking; he just has to grab it.
Worthy has yet to haul in 60 receptions, draw 100 targets, or record 700 receiving yards in a season, and he scored a single touchdown in 2026. He hasn't averaged more than 40 yards per game in two seasons and provides little in the blocking game.
The Chiefs should tread carefully with the whole Rice situation. Even if he's healthy and plays well, the 26-year-old hasn't done enough to prove that he can be trusted with a long-term deal, leaving Worthy as their best bet to be their featured pass catcher in 2027 and beyond.
Xavier Worthy has the potential to be a one-play touchdown on every route he runs. The Chiefs must take advantage of his breakaway speed and seamless acceleration, but he also needs to get open and be much more consistent in terms of the mental feel of the game.
Worthy can be this team's go-to guy, but it all starts in 2026. If he can't show some of the much-needed big-play ability that made him such an intriguing draft pick, there will be few incentives to even pick up his fifth-year option after this season.
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