Now that the Kansas City Chiefs are officially eliminated from playoff contention, decision-makers can begin to evaluate the future of this roster. One of the larger question marks throughout the season has been wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who simply isn't living up to expectations in the first two years of his career.
The second-year playmaker was underwhelming in a must-win game, finishing with two catches for 35 yards on the day. It was another example of Worthy failing to show up when the Chiefs needed him, marking his eighth consecutive game without a touchdown. As such, one has to wonder just how much of a future he has in Kansas City.
Xavier Worthy Is Failing to Give Chiefs What They Need From Him
Worthy has the speed needed, but consistently appears incapable of playing physically with corners. There is a lack of willingness to fight for the football and either draw a flag or make a play, which are traits that most WR1/2s have. Add in the fact that r is often content stepping out of bounds, and it is fair to wonder what exactly the future might be for a player who will soon be facing a contract decision.
The lack of effort fighting for the football was noted by Arrowhead Addict's Adam Best, "Will say that Xavier Worthy would get more calls if he’d FIGHT harder for the ball."
Best wasn't alone, with another Kansas City fan noting that Worthy is quick enough that it shouldn't be coming down to refs making calls or 50/50 balls. The Texas alum is fast enough that he should be making plays and putting more consistent pressure on the opposing defense.
Worthy's Injury History Is Also a Concern
As if his up-and-down play wasn't frustrating enough, Worthy has dealt with injuries, missing the early part of the season with a shoulder dislocation suffered in a collision with Travis Kelce. In Week 15, Worthy hit the turf and would miss time in the game, being evaluated for a concussion. All of these points make clear one of the draft concerns with the receiver, and that is a slight frame that makes the pass catcher more susceptible to injury.
This isn't to suggest that the Chiefs part ways with Worthy, but general manager Brett Veach might think twice about what he's willing to pay the speedster when his rookie contract is up. As it stands, Worthy is only on pace for 614 yards and maybe another touchdown if he doesn't miss any more games this season, which isn't even close to WR1 or WR2 production.
If there is going to be a future extension with K.C. (which Worthy is eligible for at the end of next year), these clear issues in his game must improve. That starts in the final three games of the season and must be built upon leading into next year. Now that the Chiefs have nothing to lose, he has every reason to prove that he should be a key cog in next season's offensive machine.
There's no denying Worthy's potential, but it's clear that he has a tough time displaying it more often than not. If he can't find a way to consistently use his speed to his advantage while improving his physicality, the Chiefs might have to seriously debate his future in Kansas City sooner rather than later.