After a disappointing season, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to make several big changes to their roster. Despite having a defense that finished sixth in points per game allowed (19.3), Kansas City went just 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Chiefs already shipped cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. With the new league year opening on Wednesday, free agency will begin and Kansas City will continue to make roster changes.
They have several notable players on expiring contracts, including safety Bryan Cook, cornerback Jaylen Watson, tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
After four seasons of college football with the Baylor Bears, Thornton was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. During his three seasons with New England, he racked up 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
However, after being released by the Patriots, he signed with the Chiefs and made his debut with the team during the 2025 season. Thornton put together his best season with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball, hitting single-season career highs in yards (438) and touchdowns (three) on 19 receptions.
However, his time in Kansas City may be short-lived with his one-year contract expiring. He made a Monday appearance on the NFL Network, explaining what he is looking for with free agency opening in two days.
"Definitely not looking just for a bag. ... That's not really what makes me truly happy. ... Going out there running fast, catching passes, dancing in the end zone, celebrating with my teammates, the process of putting the (work) in and going out there, seeing it all come to fruition, that's what it's all about for me," Thornton said according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Spotrac projects that Thornton's market value will fetch him a one-year, $2.8 million contract. With the Chiefs having $22.1 million in available cap space, bringing the 25-year-old back on a short-term deal is a possibility.
