The Kansas City Chiefs fell short in several ways as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The offense wasn't able to move the ball and score points as they had in the past, which was shocking compared to the expectations they had coming into the season.
Second-year receiver Xavier Worthy's underwhelming 2025 season played a role and created questions around the young receiver going into this critical offseason. From the opening game against the Los Angeles Chargers, it set the tone for how Worthy's season was going to pan out.
He suffered a dislocated shoulder when colliding with Travis Kelce, and he's failed to make any sort of serious impact this season. Improving their WR situation was already going to be one of the Chiefs' priorities this offseason, and that's even truer after Worthy's forgettable campaign.
Xavier Worthy’s Shaky 2025 Season Creates Questions Going into Offseason
After Week 17, Worthy has 42 catches for 532 receiving yards and one touchdown in 14 games. He hasn't eclipsed 100 receiving yards once in 2025, while going under 50 receiving yards in nine games as well — including two outings with zero. The Texas product is averaging 38 yards per game, ranking third on the team, and only half a yard better than last year's average.
In the Christmas Day loss, Worthy was criticized by fans for dropping a screen pass, lacking awareness as he didn't get both feet inbounds near the sideline, and looking lost on a jet sweep. Worthy finished with zero catches on three targets, gaining a total of one rushing yard.
This performance didn't land well with the fan base, as some are calling him a bust. It does need to be noted that there are reports that Worthy may need offseason shoulder surgery, which could be playing a part this season. He has also dealt with an ankle injury, but that doesn't excuse how his performance on the field isn't up to par.
As a rookie, he showed flashes of being a quality deep threat and playmaker for Kansas City, but instead of taking strides forward, it looks like he got worse. With the future of Travis Kelce's playing career up in the air, Rashee Rice appears to be the only pass catcher that can be trusted going into 2026.
Worthy hasn't been able to create separation like he did in the past and hasn't been a factor in the passing game this season. For a player with a 4.21 40-yard dash, his speed isn't making a difference on the football field. There will be moves made on both sides of the ball in the coming months, and receiver will be one of them.
Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton will all hit free agency this season, meaning that Rice, Worthy, and Jalen Royals are the only receivers under contract for the 2026 campaign. The Chiefs will make additions to that room, but Worthy should be looking over his shoulder. His spot as WR2 is not guaranteed, and he only has himself to blame for that.