The Kansas City Chiefs are heading deeper into the 2026 offseason with every reason for concern around star receiver Rashee Rice. The pass catcher is again facing alarming off-the-field accusations, leaving every reason for the franchise to be unsettled about the pass catcher's future. There is no denying the receiver's talent or the clear chemistry that exists between Rice and Patrick Mahomes. However, there is also no ignoring the fact that this isn't the first time legal concerns have presented themselves.
Rice was previously suspended for another off-the-field incident, pointing to an emerging pattern that the Chiefs cannot afford to ignore. The franchise must add a capable contributor to the position, and that should be current free agent Deebo Samuel. The veteran playmaker is coming off a rough tenure in Washington and could be signed at a potential bargain price.
Adding Samuel is the best of both worlds, bringing in a capable playmaker who can step into a larger role or fit within the offense if Rice is available. Samuel had 727 receiving yards with the Commanders in the 2025 season and remained a solid option even if he wasn't as explosive as hoped. For the Chiefs, it makes sense to sign Samuel, understanding the creativity it will help spark within Kansas City's offense.
Chiefs Must Sign Free Agent Deebo Samuel Amid Rashee Rice Concerns
Samuel can be utilized both out of the backfield and at the receiver position, giving the potential signing even more upside. This both covers for the potential absence of Rice if there is a suspension and provides the Chiefs a weapon that can fold into the offense if it is complete. Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton are the current starters at the receiver position, and each of this trio is facing some form of questions.
Signing Deebo gives you more margin for error and allows Thornton to slot into the fourth receiver role that he is far more suited to fill. For Samuel, it is a chance to sign with a contender and help the KC offense return to its previous dominance.
Plain and simple, Kansas City cannot afford to sit back and hope that things work out with Rice and fall in their favor. This is the same line of thinking that has left the franchise without enough viable weapons over the last two seasons. Mahomes is coming off an ACL tear and needs a star pass catcher to rely on beyond Rice.
This would be different if Rice weren't dealing with the off-the-field concerns he is currently facing. The Chiefs cannot be sure they can rely on the pass catcher, leaving a sense of urgency to add to the position. No question, out of the remaining market fits, Samuel makes the most sense and would fit perfectly into the Chiefs' offense even when fully healthy.