Heading into the season, the Kansas City Chiefs had question marks all around the receiver position. Two surprise contributors that emerged throughout camp were Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee. Both players went from fringe roster pieces to actually having a legitimate chance to crack the lineup, with Rashee Rice facing an early six-game suspension. However, now that Rice can return in Week 7, it is clear who is going to be the odd man out.
Thornton has made himself a trusted target for Patrick Mahomes and a consistent part of the rotation for Andy Reid's offense. The big play ability is simply far too enticing not to include Thornton in the offense, leaving Brownlee as the odd man out. This was especially the case after Xavier Worthy returned from an early-season shoulder injury, with Worthy, Thornton, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Hollywood Brown all being far more enticing targets than Brownlee just at the receiver position. Making it clear who is going to be the piece pushed off the roster when the star receiver is officially able to return later this week.
Chiefs Appear Poised to Part Ways with Struggling Jason Brownlee when Rashee Rice Returns
Rice has already been getting back in game shape and putting himself in a position to have an instant impact upon his return. It is going to be a much-needed offensive boost that takes a bit of the load off Mahomes over the next weeks of the season. For Brownlee, it is simply an unfortunate piece of the business. The receiver has played limited snaps and has yet to register a single catch this season.
This in itself isn't shocking, considering the uphill battle the pass catcher had to make the initial roster in the first place. However, it doesn't make it any easier for Brownlee, who had an impressive summer, to put himself in this current position. As difficult as it might be, it is still the correct decision for a team that needs an open roster spot and has no better cut options. The only other name that could be thrown around is Nikko Remigio.
Remigio has had very limited snaps as well, but has an advantage here of offering value on special teams. Brownlee doesn't have the same level of contributions, and that, along with having zero catches six weeks into the 2025 season, is more than enough reason to make a change.
Still, there is a great chance the pass catcher can remain in Kansas City, joining the practice squad as proven depth. No question, cutting Brownlee is the move the Chiefs have to make to bring Rice back in Week 7.