Chiefs' Biggest Roster Hole Is Bad News For Patrick Mahomes

Coming off one of their worst seasons in over a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs have spent the offseason trying to reshape the roster. However, even after a strong showing in the 2026 NFL Draft, one major concern still remains for the team and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 6-11 record, missing the postseason for the first time since 2014. Although Mahomes continued to impress on the field, his season ended early after suffering ACL and LCL tears.

Kansas City's struggles were not solely due to injuries. The offense lacked consistency throughout the season, particularly at running back and wide receiver. The Chiefs addressed part of the problem by signing Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million deal, but concerns at wide receiver remain unresolved.

According to ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz, wide receiver is currently the Chiefs' biggest roster weakness, and the team needs to add a veteran option to help Mahomes lead another Super Bowl run.

"The performance of the Chiefs' wide receivers, according to ESPN's receiver scores last season, were significantly bad," Schatz wrote. "Rashee Rice is generally believed to be one of the league's top slot receivers, but he scored just a 49 out of 100 in an off season. Tyquan Thornton had a 36 and Xaiver Worthy just a 25.

"The top player behind these three receivers is 2025 fourth-round pick Jalen Royals, who had just two catches in his rookie season for 4 yards. The Chiefs also have return specialist Nikko Remigio and fifth-round rookie Cyrus Allen. They really must add a veteran free agent here."

Rice and Worthy are expected to enter the season as Kansas City's top two receivers, but both come with concerns. Rice has appeared in only 12 games over the past two seasons, while Worthy also missed three games in 2025 and finished the year with just 522 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Kansas City did add a receiver in the draft, but waiting until the 178th overall pick to do so may not be enough for a team hoping to return to championship contention.

Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill Could Be Options

One possible solution could come through free agency. Veterans like Stefon Diggs or even a reunion with Tyreek Hill have already been mentioned as potential fits for the Chiefs.

Hill would arguably make the most sense given his history with Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, as well as his record in Kansas City. But he is also coming off a significant knee injury, and the Chiefs may hesitate to make a major move unless they are confident he can return to full form.

Hill would have made the most sense for the Chiefs, given his chemistry with Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, his record in Kansas City, and his resume. But he is coming off a serious knee injury, and unless the Chiefs are confident he can get back to his best, they would be hesitant to make a major move.

Diggs, meanwhile, is coming off another impressive season with the New England Patriots, though they ultimately chose to release him for cap concerns. While he will turn 33 next season, Diggs hasn't failed to surpass 1,000 receiving yards for seven straight seasons when healthy and still looks capable of leading a passing attack.

Related: Andy Reid Compares Chiefs Rookie To Two-Time Super Bowl Champion

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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM.