The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of key players set to become free agents in a couple of weeks.
Some tough decisions on who to re-sign are being labored over as we speak, but they won’t be able to keep everybody. Starting players who could find new teams this offseason include safety Bryan Cook, cornerback Jaylen Watson, linebacker Leo Chenal, and running back Isiah Pacheco.
The Chiefs also have a number of role players who are about to hit the open market, such as running back Kareem Hunt and wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton. Recently the latter found his way on an intriguing list via Pro Football Focus, giving Kansas City something to chew on as free agency nears.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton Named Among Most ‘Under-the-Radar’ Free Agents of 2026 Offseason
Thornton quickly became a fan favorite as early as training camp last summer with his blazing speed and big play ability. Here is PFF’s analysis, of Thornton, via Daire Carragher:
“After an underwhelming start to his career with the Patriots, Thornton joined the Chiefs and rejuvenated his career. The move to a more potent offensive unit allowed him to showcase his elite speed as a deep threat capable of taking the top off defenses, with his 27.8-yard average depth of target leading all pass catchers with at least 100 routes.
While he wasn’t featured heavily, his fit as a complementary piece within an aggressive scheme shone through. His six receptions on throws targeted 30 or more yards downfield during the regular season ranked as the third most in the NFL, behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba (nine) and fellow free agent Alec Pierce (seven).
Entering his age-26 season, and projecting to have just a $5 million price tag, Thornton would make for a high-potential, cost-effective addition to a receiving corps that isn’t afraid of taking shots downfield.”
Re-Signing Thornton Makes a Ton of Sense for Kansas City
GettyKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.
Thornton was easily the Chiefs’ top deep threat in 2025, averaging a whopping 23.1 yards per reception. He was a huge part of the offense throughout the first five games of the season, but they puzzlingly reduced his role when Rashee Rice returned from suspension. From Week 6 on, Thornton caught just six passes for 166 yards.
A 2022 second-round draft selection by the Patriots, Thornton was hindered by injuries and being in a poor offensive system during his time in New England. He was highly touted entering the league due to his combination of size and speed (6-foot-2, 4.2 40-yard dash). Thornton has also proved to have special teams value as a return specialist and gunner.
The Chiefs would be wise to bring Thornton back. Besides Xavier Worthy, they don’t have a receiver who can stretch the field as effectively as Thornton. They also need quality depth at the wide receiver position, as three of five on their roster (Jalen Royals, Jason Brownlee, Jimmy Holiday) have very little NFL experience. There are also major question marks regarding Rice’s legal troubles, would could potentially lead to another suspension.
Chiefs Playmaker Named Among Most ‘Under-the-Radar’ Free Agents