The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly chose not to trade for a big-name wide receiver or even entertain the thought of bringing Tyreek Hill back this season. That's because they were so high on Rashee Rice that they thought he'd be better than any reinforcement they could've potentially had.
Rice had certainly looked like a potential star since he emerged in the second half of his rookie season. He's eligible to sign a contract extension after this season, and looked poised for a massive payday. Now, after watching him against the Houston Texans, that may no longer be the case.
Rashee Rice's Dud Raises Doubts About His True Status
The SMU product's disappearing act in the loss to the Texans was concerning. Once again, his performance was stained by crucial drops, and he failed to step up and prove that he can be a legitimate WR1 when it matters the most.
Rice was also missing in action in the loss to the Denver Broncos, so it's not like this is the first time that he's left the team down in big moments. Granted, the Texans boast an elite defense, and Patrick Mahomes had arguably the worst performance of his career. Even so, Rice had just four receptions for 34 yards despite leading the team with eight targets.
The former third-round pick is up to 46 receptions on 67 targets for 520 yards and five receiving touchdowns in seven games this season. He has just one game of 100+ receiving yards, and he's been held to under 50 receiving yards three times.
There were already some doubts about his maturity and character stemming from the incident that ultimately led to a suspension, and he already has one major injury in his career. That's not to say that the Chiefs shouldn't want him going forward, but he may not be the clear-cut WR1 they thought he would be.
The potential is most definitely there, and his Pro Football Focus grade of 80.3 ranks 14th among 83 eligible wide receivers. Still, true No. 1s rise to the occasion when it matters the most, and that hasn't necessarily been the case with Rashee Rice.
At 6-7, this season might already be a wrap for Andy Reid's team. Still, Rice should have several opportunities to prove that he's worth getting a big payday at the end of the season. Whether the Chiefs should settle for him or pursue someone else could be a different conversation.