The Kansas City Chiefs are entering a critical 2026 season after missing the postseason last year, but the latest NFL rumors suggest WR Rashee Rice could be playing his last season in Kansas City. According to a source, Rice could lose his starting job midway through the 2026 campaign, and that wouldn’t be too surprising. Selected as a second-round pick, the former SMU product hasn’t been able to stay consistent or stay out of trouble. Also, he’s dealt with multiple injuries, including a concussion that ended his 2025 season.
With QB Patrick Mahomes returning in the starting lineup, the Chiefs can’t afford to have one of the worst aerial attacks. While Xavier Worthy is showing improvement, it can’t compensate for the lack of progression from Rice. Earlier this offseason, the receiver tested positive for THC, violating his probation, and was ordered to serve 30 days in county jail. Before that, he was involved in a car crash and pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies.
Oh, and it continues. The receiver was under investigation for allegedly punching a photographer at a downtown Dallas club while being charged with one count of aggravated assault in another incident. With all of these issues, it’s no wonder why the team is wary of extending the wideout, who is entering the final year of his contract.
NFL Rumors: Chiefs’ $6.4M Super Bowl Entering Final Season in Kansas City
Where Do the Chiefs Next?
If the receiver finds himself in trouble once again, they’d have no other choice but to release him during the 2026 season. After seeing the Terrion Arnold unfold in Detroit, the Chiefs can’t risk yet another distraction. Kansas City already have too many worries, including veteran Travis Kelce retiring soon after marrying pop star Taylor Swift, Mahomes not being as mobile and rebuilding the core of their RB group.
It’s safe to say that Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen and Nikko Remigio have a decent chance of emerging as starters. However, will Kansas City be willing to take that chance?
Add a Veteran WR?
Of course, the Chiefs will consider all options on the table. Unfortunately, free agent Tyreek Hill reportedly won’t play this upcoming season as his NFL future looks bleak. The good news is that there are multiple WR free agents available, including Keenan Allen, Deebo Samuel and perhaps bring back DeAndre Hopkins? As an LWOS expert, it’d be safe to roll the dice on a veteran for a one-year deal.
Where does this leave Rice? The rest of this article will explore three teams who could revive his career if things get messy this upcoming season.
Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones is always known for giving NFL players second chances, so Rice heading to Dallas wouldn’t be too surprising. The Cowboys have two of the great receivers in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, so why not add a third, right? Well, they do have Ryan Flournoy, who’s set to break out this upcoming 2026 season.
Last year, former Cowboy Jalen Tolbert failed to live up to expectations after one solid season, so they hope that’s not the case for Flournoy. If the Cowboys are looking for another slot, they should add the Chiefs WR if he becomes available in free agency.
Baltimore Ravens
With things looking in Baltimore, WR Rashod Bateman is entering a season this year where he needs a massive leap. After a disastrous 2025 campaign, the receiver missed the start of minicamp due to a personal matter. Bateman is probably playing his last season as a Raven himself, which sets up Ja’Kobi Lane for a bigger role.
As long as the Ravens extend Zay Flowers, the team has a chance to rebuild the core of their offensive pass-attack for Lamar Jackson to help Lane and Devontez Walker. Does that mean adding Rice to stabilize this group? Absolutely.
Los Angeles Chargers
QB Justin Herbert is entering the 2026 season with one of the most inexperienced pass-catchers in the AFC. For a team looking to win a championship, it sure looks like they’re rebuilding their pass-attack instead. After drafting Brenen Thompson, the team has not added one single veteran free agent or at least traded for a WR. They’re betting on Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and the numerous tight ends to help Herbert.
If they want to truly elevate their offense, they must add a receiver via free agency. If Rice becomes available, who knows; he could be willing to sign a one-year prove-it deal to help the Chargers in 2027.
