ESPN analyst warns Chiefs about free agency ‘must’ after 2026 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs made some big improvements during the 2026 offseason. Kansas City reloaded on defense after losing multiple cornerbacks at the start of the new league year. But one national analyst warned the Chiefs not to neglect one important roster need.

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz used advanced analytics to examine each team’s biggest roster holes following the draft. He recommended that Kansas City take their wide receiver needs seriously before the regular season.

“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 Xavier Worthy just a 25.”

Kansas City did very little to address the wide receiver position over the past few months. They re-signed Tyquan Thornton to an $11 million contract during NFL free agency. The Chiefs also invested a fifth-round pick in rookie Cyrus Allen.

However, Schatz warns that Kansas City’s depth may not be good enough to rely on during the 2026 season.

“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,” Schatz added. “The Chiefs also have return specialist Nikko Remigio and fifth-round rookie Cyrus Allen. They really must add a veteran free agent here.”

The Chiefs should have a few enticing options if they decide to add a veteran free agent.

Of course, Tyreek Hill is the most obvious name on the open market given his prior experience in Kansas City. But it remains to be seen if he’s healthy enough to compete in 2026.

Either way, it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs add a veteran receiver before training camp.

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