The Kansas City Chiefs are at an important crossroads in their dynasty where they’ll have to make tough decisions on some of their cornerstone players. While one of those decisions was made earlier this offseason when the Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, another is brewing with star receiver Rashee Rice.
Rice has been an important cog in the Chiefs' offense since he arrived as a second-round pick in the 2023 draft. But after a 2024 season was derailed due to injury and a 2025 season was sabotaged by a six-game suspension, Kansas City will have to make a decision whether he’s a player worth giving a big contract extension.
While Rice said on an Instagram live stream this week that he wants money similar to the four-year, $168.6 million contract extension Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed with the Seattle Seahawks, his off-the-field issues may prevent that from happening. But with the way free agency has played out, Rice could have some leverage to get more than expected as he negotiates his new contract.
Rashee Rice Nearing Huge Payday as Chiefs Face Big Gamble
Rice was one of the biggest winners in free agency, and he didn’t have to be on the open market to reap the rewards. The Indianapolis Colts played the biggest role in giving Rice a hand with his negotiations, signing Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million contract extension to keep him from hitting the market But the money kept flowing as Wan’dale Robinson (four years, $70 million), Romeo Doubs (four years, $68 million) and Rashid Shaheed (three years, $51 million) all got contracts that exceeded their projected market value.
Of course, the most notable contract for Rice was the one that went to Smith-Njigba. A fellow member of the 2023 draft class, Smith-Njigba has put up bigger overall numbers thanks to his ability to stay on the field, and he also led the NFL with 1,793 yards one year ago. But Rice has been similar in efficiency metrics, posting 2.29 yards per run during his career compared to Smith-Njigba’s mark of 2.23 yards, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rice also has a higher catch rate (74.6 percent to Smith-Njigba’s 71.8 percent) and similar yards per reception with Smith-Njigba’s 12.6 yards besting Rice’s mark of 11.5 yards. But before the Chiefs hand over the money, Rice’s off-the-field troubles could throw a wrench into that thinking.
After being suspended for a high-speed car crash in March 2024, domestic violence allegations surfaced in January 2026. While the NFL determined there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations earlier this month, Rice also was investigated for allegedly punching a photographer in May 2024, to which the accuser signed an affidavit of non-prosecution, and no charges were filed.
Still, the off-the-field incidents show that Rice keeps putting himself in bad situations, and it could cost the Chiefs more than a pretty penny if he finds himself in another one after signing a big contract. Although that is a concern, teams are usually willing to take the gamble, and this year’s free agency movement, along with Smith-Njigba’s contract, could be the impetus to get a deal done.
While he may not get Smith-Njigba money, he could come close and owe this year’s wide receiver class a fruit basket for making him a very wealthy player – whether it's in Kansas City or somewhere else.