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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 07: Kamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans breaks up a pass intended for Tyquan Thornton #80 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have already made one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason so far after deciding to trade wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. That decision has quickly sparked speculation about how Chicago might reshape its receiving corps moving forward.
One possible solution has already started to gain attention.
Bears insider Ben Devine recently suggested the team should consider targeting veteran wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.
“If the Bears are looking to add serious speed, Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton would be a name to watch in free agency,” Devine wrote on social media. “He runs a sub-4.3 forty, is 6’2 and is just 25 years old.”
Ben Devine
If the Bears are looking to add serious speed, Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton would be a name to watch in free agency. He runs a sub-4.3 forty, is 6’2” and is just 25 years old. #NFLFreeAgency
The idea has drawn attention because Thornton’s skill set could align well with what Chicago now needs after moving Moore.
The Bears still have several young playmakers on the roster, but Moore’s departure leaves a clear opportunity for another receiver capable of stretching defenses vertically. Thornton’s elite speed and size combination could make him an intriguing option as the team looks to give Caleb Williams an additional weapon.
Bears Could Add Major Speed Element With Tyquan Thornton
Thornton originally entered the NFL with significant expectations after being selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The former Baylor standout was widely viewed as one of the fastest prospects in that class after posting a blazing 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process.
While his time in New England never fully developed the way many expected, Thornton still flashed the deep play ability that made him such an intriguing prospect. In 48 career games, he has totaled 823 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Thornton has showcased occasional flashes as a vertical threat.
That type of speed could be extremely valuable in Ben Johnson’s offensive system. At 6-foot-2 with elite acceleration, Thornton has the ability to force defenses to respect the deep ball. This can open space underneath for other receivers.
For an offense that is continuing to develop around Williams, adding that kind of field stretching presence could be appealing.
Thornton’s Chiefs Stint Highlighted His Big-Play Ability
Thornton’s most recent opportunity came with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he quietly produced the most efficient season of his career.
Even while operating primarily as a complementary option, Thornton finished with a career high 438 receiving yards on just 19 receptions. That production translated to an impressive 23.1 yards per catch, one of the highest averages among wide receivers that year.
He also added three touchdowns while serving as a situational deep threat in Kansas City’s offense.
Those numbers illustrate why some analysts believe Thornton still has untapped potential in the right situation.
For a Bears offense that is now adjusting after trading Moore, bringing in a young receiver could have upside.
If Chicago ultimately prioritizes adding speed to its receiving group this offseason, Thornton could emerge as one of the more intriguing under the radar names to watch in free agency.