The Kansas City Chiefs need another wide receiver largely because Skyy Moore never came close to living up to his potential. A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Moore was something of a gamble as a physically gifted prospect who didn’t face off against the toughest competition at Western Michigan. The Chiefs believed he could handle the NFL adjustment, but Brett Veach and company ended up losing that wager. Moore has been one of the least efficient wide receivers since entering the league, hauling in just 43 of his 73 career targets while making frequent gaffes when targeted and on special teams.
The Chiefs brought Skyy Moore back for Year 3, but he failed to do anything to justify that faith. Through five games, the wide receiver has yet to record a single catch and former Chiefs offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz has seen enough. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) the six-year veteran wondered why Moore remains on the roster after such a disappointing start to his career.
Skyy Moore being on this roster makes no sense. Nothing good happens when he touches the football.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 8, 2024
Geoff Schwartz Blasts Chiefs Skyy Moore, Likely Wants A Trade
Nobody expected much of Skyy Moore in Year 3, but his complete inability to establish himself in this injury-riddled passing attack should spell the end of his Chiefs tenure. Kansas City loaded up on wide receivers throughout the offseason, signing free agent Marquise Brown to a one-year deal before selecting Xavier Worthy in the first round. These two paired with incumbent Rashee Rice meant Moore didn’t stand a shot of reaching the field before injuries. However, Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice are both done for the season, and Moore still can’t establish himself in this offense.
With these two sidelined, Patrick Mahomes and company turned to veteran wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster. The former Pittsburgh Steeler and New England Patriot is a shell of his former self, but that didn’t stop him from recording seven receptions for 130 yards against the New Orleans Saints. By comparison, Smith-Schuster had 260 yards during the entire 2023 season. Smith-Schuster probably can’t keep this up, and since Skyy Moore won’t be able to help, the Chiefs should monitor the wide receiver trade market in the coming weeks. While Davante Adams might be the top name on Kansas City’s wish list, Diontae Johnson is a more likely match.
Diontae Johnson To the Rescue
As mentioned in an earlier article, the Chiefs have been tied to a potential Diontae Johnson trade, and it’s easy to see why. Despite their 5-0 record, the Chiefs could use another receiver, as Brown and Rice are done for the season and Skyy Moore doesn’t have what it takes to earn a spot in the passing attack. While Worthy has potential, the former Longhorn has yet to prove he can be anything more than a low-usage home run threat.
Diontae Johnson is an effective chain mover who is a natural fit for the vacated Rashee Rice role. Johnson has always excelled at earning targets but hasn’t always turned those opportunities into significant yardage. Is this his shortcoming, or is this simply a byproduct of playing with Mason Rudolph, an aging Ben Roethlisberger, Kenny Pickett, and Bryce Young? Patrick Mahomes can easily bring out the best of him, and his presence should ensure Skyy Moore never sees the field on offense.
Main Photo: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
