Rashee Rice left the Chiefs Week 4 game with an expected ACL tear, and the team needs replacements fast. The team is averaging over 30 less passing yards per game than in 2023, and that was with a terrible WR room. If the Chiefs want to make a title run (which they always can with Mahomes at the helm) they should be active in the trade and free agency market to find replacements for Rashee Rice.
Possible Chiefs Replacements for Rashee Rice Following Injury
Via Trade
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Slayton is quietly a very productive receiver. He’s had over 700 yards in four of his five seasons in the NFL, and that’s while catching the ball from Daniel Jones. Xavier Worthy is very competent as a deep threat, but the team doesn’t have a chain mover as it stands now. He’s affordable, out of conference (important for finding a trade partner) and fits the team’s need.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers
Johnson still hasn’t been extended, or even approached to be extended by the Panthers. That’s a red flag. Johnson is always open and is in the last year of his deal. The Chiefs could trade for him, and if he’s a contributor he could be part of the Chiefs long term plans. If he’s not, the Panthers need a full rebuild anyway and he’s likely not an expensive target.
Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans
Burks hasn’t nearly lived up to his expectations as a first-round wide receiver. Is that due to QB play, individual talent or scheme? Probably a combination of the three, but he’s a big bodied receiver who does his best work in the short and intermediate areas. Sound familiar? He’s a far cry from being a one for one replacement for Rice, but he could be part of a team of replacements for the Chiefs offense.
Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
Full transparency, it’s close to a zero percent chance the Raiders trade Adams internal to the division to the Chiefs. But man, it would be fun. Adams left Green Bay to try and get a chance at a ring (hilarious he went to Las Vegas for that) and his best chance at this stage would be a move to Kansas City. For 20 minutes on all of the latest storylines and why Adams is likely not available, check out this podcast.
Via Free Agency
Hunter Renfrow
We’re not too far removed from Renfrow being a Pro Bowl level player. The fall off needs to be studied in History class, but he’s still a solid route runner who can move the chains. Pairing him with Patrick Mahomes would be unfair, and possible revenge games against the Raiders would be satisfying to watch.
Michael Thomas
Speaking of former Pro Bowlers, Thomas is also just hanging out on his couch. Is he actually injury prone, or was he just a diva wide receiver tired of losing? Maybe a shot at a Super Bowl will heal his ankle up quickly.
Main Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
