The off-field issues continue piling up for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice. Mere weeks after Rice was charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury, and six counts of collision involving injuries following a vehicle-related incident, another potential issue has popped up. Rice is currently under investigation for allegedly striking a fellow patron at a downtown Dallas club.
Rice was already facing a potentially lengthy suspension. If the former SMU standout is charged with another assault in the downtown Dallas incident, his entire 2024 campaign, and perhaps his roster spot, could be in danger. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach must prepare accordingly for a lengthy stint without Rice.
The Chiefs drafted former Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in free agency, but they’ll need more at the position in light of recent occurrences. Eliminating Rice from the picture would make the Chiefs overly reliant on Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney.
We've identified three veteran receivers the Chiefs should acquire via trade or free agency.
ZAY JONES, FREE AGENT
The Chiefs recently hosted free-agent receiver Zay Jones on a visit. Jones has been popular since the Jacksonville Jaguars released him last week. In addition to the Chiefs, he visited the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, and Arizona Cardinals. The Titans are no longer in the race to sign Jones after opting to add Tyler Boyd. It now appears to be a three-team race to sign Jones, and the Chiefs should get aggressive.
Jones possesses inside-outside versatility, though he spends the majority of his time as a boundary playmaker. That would offer the Chiefs maximum flexibility while relegating Moore and Toney to part-time contributors. Jones is arguably the best free-agent receiver still on the market.
DARIUS SLAYTON, NEW YORK GIANTS
Darius Slayton and the New York Giants are currently involved in a contract-related standoff. Slayton skipped voluntary workouts while seeking a contract extension from the team. Slayton is slated to earn a base salary of $2.5 million with signing and roster bonuses of $1.75 and $2.6 million, per Spotrac, in the final scheduled year of his deal.
Slayton feels he's earned a contract extension after leading the Giants in receiving yards this past season. General manager Joe Schoen responded to Slayton's demands by drafting Malik Nabers. Perhaps even more telling regarding Slayton's uncertain future in East Rutherford is that the Giants signed veteran wideout Allen Robinson II on Thursday. If Slayton demands a trade, which could be the next installment in this saga, the Chiefs should make the call.
MICHAEL THOMAS, FREE AGENT
I mean, why not? With weapons such as Travis Kelce at Patrick Mahomes' disposal, the Chiefs are one of few teams that could legitimately gamble on Michael Thomas recapturing his previous form without it putting a significant dent in their chances to compete for Super Bowl LIX if the signing backfires. Thomas remains available via the open market while searching for the ideal opportunity to arise.
Thomas recorded 39 receptions for 448 receiving yards in 10 appearances this past season. Thomas flashed signs of remaining effectiveness, averaging 11.5 yards per catch, his highest output in that category since his 2019 record-breaking campaign. If the Chiefs don't love the alternative options, Thomas arguably has the highest ceiling.
