Kansas City Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid seems really optimistic for the upcoming season, despite the team's struggles with a thin receiving corps last year.

At the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Reid told NFL Senior National Columnist Judy Battista that the Chiefs are “in a better position than most teams” at wide receiver.

Reid's confidence is difficult to assess without factoring in Rashee Rice's availability. Rice has been Patrick Mahomes' second-most targeted receiver since the 2023 season, trailing only Travis Kelce. Last season, he racked up 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns in just eight games.

A full season with Rice would make the Chiefs a formidable force, much like the 2023 season. That year, Kansas City won the big game with Rice playing in 16 games, racking up 79 catches for 938 yards and seven touchdowns.

But that is far from guaranteed this season, considering the civil suit filed against Rice by his ex-girlfriend Dacoda Jones.

Under the league's personal conduct policy, a first offense carries a six-game suspension. Rice served that last season, missing the first six games before returning in Week 7, due to a car crash incident in Dallas.

This civil suit marks his second incident. Reportedly, the new suspension could range between 10 and 12 games. Should Rice miss significant time yet again, his future in Kansas City looks uncertain. He is on a four-year rookie deal worth $6.49 million, which expires at the end of the 2026 season.

So, even if Andy Reid is projecting public optimism, the front office must explore outside alternatives at wide receiver.

Could Stefon Diggs be the answer to Andy Reid's problems?

Kansas City is being urged to sign a proven veteran to stabilize a remarkably weak depth chart. Stefon Diggs is coming off as a top target.

Diggs remains a free agent after being released by the Patriots following their Super Bowl run last season. He finished the year with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.

According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, “Bringing in Stefon Diggs wouldn’t be a weird move, though. The Chiefs need to add a wide receiver to a room that currently sports Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and not much else. Kansas City has also made something of a habit of bringing in veteran wide receivers who were cast off by other teams." He added, “Right now, Kansas City’s pass-catchers are more a weakness than a strength. The addition of Diggs could change that."

However, much like Rice, Diggs also carries legal baggage. He faces a felony charge stemming from an incident with his personal chef.

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore