Getty Image / David Eulitt
After it was a big weakness for last year’s Super Bowl-winning team, the Kansas City Chiefs appeared to address the wide receiver position this offseason to make it one of the league’s better groups.
But, that group has quickly unraveled. After multiple injuries, including one that appears to be season-ending to their number-one receiver, Rashee Rice, on Sunday, the group has become a weakness once again and may need a midseason acquisition.
The team acquired Hollywood Brown via free agency and drafted Texas speedster Xavier Worthy with their first-round pick in April to pair with Rashee Rice, who was coming off a breakout rookie year. When you add in Travis Kelce, probably the best pass-catching tight end of all time, and a good pass-catcher out of the backfield in Isaiah Pacheco, that’s a loaded group of playmakers.
But, Hollywood Brown is out until, likely, the playoffs, with shoulder surgery after he suffered an injury during the preseaon. Pacheco is on injured reserve with a broken fibula, and his return date is unknown. And, on Sunday, Rashee Rice got hurt on this play, with the initial thoughts being a torn ACL.
Patrick mahomes ending rashee rice season because he threw a pick is nasty work pic.twitter.com/dFuenOrqXN
— John (@iam_johnw) September 29, 2024
He’s likely out for the season, making them dangerously thin in terms of established pass-catchers.
Given the fact that they have Patrick Mahomes in his prime, and Kelce and Andy reid at the end of their careers in all likelihood, they need to maximize this window. That may include making a move for a veteran wide receiver.
There should be some veterans available in the coming weeks that could help the Chiefs. Amari Cooper is on an expiring contract with the 1-3 Browns, and he would be a great fit in Kansas City. Deandre Hopkins is languishing on a terrible Titans team. He’s not the player he once was, but he would certainly help. Davante Adams could get moved from the Raiders, but it would be hard for them to trade him in the division.
Ultimately, there will be guys available, and GM Brett Veach should consider a move.