Former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Justin Watson found a new landing spot this offseason, signing with the Houston Texans. Moving on made sense when you look at the Kansas City roster and understand what an uphill battle it is to make the final roster at the position. With Rashee Rice expected to start the first four weeks of the season before a looming suspension, this only further muddies the waters of how the competition will shake out.
Regardless, parting ways with the Chiefs made sense for Watson. This is especially the case when you look at how badly the Texans needed to find C.J. Stroud additional help at the position. However, things aren't exactly going to plan with Watson being outplayed in the first weeks of camp and the preseason.
If Watson is going to make this roster, it will take a surge in the final two weeks of the summer. The former Chief might find himself as a surprise roster cut with the way things are currently trending. It comes as a bit of a surprise based on his experience, though, when you dig a bit deeper into the depth chart, it makes sense if Houston does opt to turn the page.
#Texans 2nd team offense also has success. A couple of highlights:
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 14, 2025
Mills to John Metchie for a big gain. Drive finishes off with a Mills TD throw to Braxton Berrios.
Not sure how DeMeco cuts Berrios or Hutch, and Metchie is making a case to be kept too.
Former Chiefs WR Appears Destined to Become Surprise Roster Cut
Nico Collins and Christian Kirk are unquestionable roster locks that don't demand any further conversation. This leaves four spots up for grabs with Watson, John Metchie, Braxton Berrios, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Xavier Hutchinson the obvious contenders. Looking at camp performances and chemistry with Stroud, it simply becomes an uphill battle to argue that Watson has any chance to make the roster out of this group.
It is going to require an incredible effort in the next two weeks to change this. If Watson is cut as expected, it is difficult to believe the Chiefs are going to be interested in a reunion. Despite the history, Kansas City has done a nice job bringing in solid depth options and has an interesting position battle of its own.
For Watson, finding a new landing spot shouldn't be difficult based on his resume and the history of winning. However, it is a bit of a frustration that this move hasn't worked out thus far when it was believed he would be earning a bigger share of the targets. No question, Watson is very much on the hot seat as we continue to close in on the regular season.