The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL season with high expectations, aiming to solidify their dynasty with another Super Bowl run. However, their Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5, 2025, delivered a significant blow to their offensive firepower. Star wide receiver Xavier Worthy suffered a dislocated shoulder after a collision with teammate Travis Kelce on the team’s opening drive, leaving the Chiefs’ already depleted receiving corps in dire straits. With Worthy’s injury described as a “day-to-day” issue requiring further tests and Rashee Rice sidelined for five more games due to a suspension, the Chiefs’ front office faces a desperate and potentially costly scramble to bolster their receiver room. Here, we explore four viable options to address this crisis, each with its own risks and rewards.
The Injury Fallout
Xavier Worthy, a second-year standout and the Chiefs’ 2024 first-round pick, was poised to take on a starring role in Kansas City’s offense, especially with Rice unavailable. His rookie season showcased his potential, with 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns, plus a playoff performance that included 19 catches for 287 yards and three scores. His speed and playmaking ability made him a critical component of Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal. However, Worthy’s early exit in Week 1—after colliding with Kelce while running a crossing route—has left the Chiefs scrambling. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Worthy is likely to wear a brace and avoid surgery, but his return timeline remains uncertain, with the risk of re-injury looming. Meanwhile, rookie Jalen Royals is also nursing a knee injury, further thinning the depth chart. With only Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton as primary options, the Chiefs cannot afford to stand pat.
Four Receiver Targets for the Chiefs
To address this crisis, the Chiefs must consider both immediate and long-term solutions. Below are four potential receiver targets, ranging from cost-effective free agents to blockbuster trade options, each offering a unique fit for Kansas City’s needs.
1. Diontae Johnson: The Budget-Friendly Fix
Diontae Johnson, a veteran wideout, represents a low-cost, low-risk option for the Chiefs. Available as a free agent, Johnson wouldn’t require the team to part with draft capital or assets, making him an attractive stopgap. Last season, he played for three teams, with his most productive stint coming with the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded 357 yards and three touchdowns. While not a game-changer, Johnson’s route-running savvy and reliability could provide Mahomes with a dependable target. His affordability makes him a practical choice for a team needing immediate depth without long-term commitment. However, his ceiling is limited, and he may not elevate the offense to the level required for a Super Bowl push.
2. Brandin Cooks: The Low-Cost Trade Option
For a slightly more ambitious move, the Chiefs could pursue a trade for Brandin Cooks, a 31-year-old veteran currently with the Dallas Cowboys. Cooks, who has six 1,000-yard seasons in his career, is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign where he managed just 259 yards, his worst professional output. This diminished production could make him an affordable trade target, as the Cowboys, projected to be among the NFL’s worst teams in 2025, may be willing to part with him for a modest return. Cooks’ experience and speed could provide a short-term boost, but his recent struggles and age raise questions about his ability to return to form. For a Chiefs team needing immediate help, Cooks could be a worthwhile gamble without breaking the bank.
3. Chris Olave: The Long-Term Investment
If the Chiefs are thinking beyond 2025, Chris Olave could be the ideal trade target. The 25-year-old New Orleans Saints receiver is a former first-round pick with elite speed and untapped potential. Despite playing only eight games last season due to injury, Olave’s youth and skill set make him a tantalizing long-term fit for Kansas City. With his contract running through 2026 and no long-term extension in place with the Saints, the Chiefs could capitalize on New Orleans’ hesitation to commit. Playing alongside Mahomes on a perennial contender could unlock Olave’s full potential, giving the Chiefs a dynamic weapon for years to come. However, acquiring Olave would likely require significant draft capital, making this a costly but potentially transformative move.
4. Tyreek Hill: The Homecoming Dream
The most tantalizing—and expensive—option is a reunion with Tyreek Hill, the former Chiefs star now with the Miami Dolphins. Hill’s familiarity with Andy Reid’s offense and his proven chemistry with Mahomes make him a dream fit. After a frustrating Week 1 loss for Miami, where Hill was visibly upset on the sidelines and Tua Tagovailoa struggled with turnovers, rumors of Hill’s discontent have resurfaced. The Dolphins’ playoff hopes appear shaky, while the Chiefs have made the postseason every year since 2014. Hill’s return could instantly elevate Kansas City’s offense to elite status, but the cost would be steep, likely involving high draft picks and a hefty contract restructuring. While a long shot, Hill’s return would be a blockbuster move to address the Chiefs’ immediate and future needs.
The Chiefs’ front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, must weigh these options carefully. With Worthy’s recovery uncertain and Rice unavailable until Week 7, the team cannot rely solely on Brown, Smith-Schuster, and Thornton to carry the load. Free agents like Allen Robinson, who publicly offered his services on X, or Robert Woods, recently cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers, could also be considered for depth. However, the Chiefs’ ultimate decision will depend on their timeline—patching the roster for a short-term push or investing in a long-term solution to complement Mahomes’ prime. Whatever path they choose, the clock is ticking, and the cost of inaction could jeopardize their championship aspirations.
In conclusion, Xavier Worthy’s injury has exposed the Chiefs’ vulnerability at wide receiver, forcing a critical pivot in their 2025 strategy. Whether they opt for a budget-friendly signing like Diontae Johnson, a low-cost trade for Brandin Cooks, a high-upside investment in Chris Olave, or a blockbuster reunion with Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs must act swiftly to keep their offense on track. With Patrick Mahomes under center, the potential for another Super Bowl run remains, but only if the front office can navigate this costly scramble successfully.