The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL last season. Coming off of their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance in 2024, many expected the Chiefs to be right back at the top of the AFC again in 2025.
Instead, Kansas City went 6-11 and Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in December. Now, they are coming into 2026 facing the reality that they will not have their two-time NFL MVP quarterback for the first several weeks of the season. Justin Fields was signed to fill in as the starter in the interim, but he has not had much NFL success.
What is more, the Chiefs do not exactly have the best core of wide receivers, and will be relying on many of their current players to take a leap this upcoming season in order to help them return to the NFL Playoffs.
Tyquan Thornton predicted to have a breakout season for the Kansas City Chiefs
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (80) warms up prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Not only is wide receiver Rashee Rice coming off of a major knee injury of his own, he is also currently serving a 30-day jail sentence for violating his probation. While he may be available early in the season, the one thing that the Chiefs can count on when it comes to Rice is that they cannot count on him.
One player that could prove to be a major weapon on offense, though, is Tyquan Thornton. In fact, Bleacher Report believes he will have make a quantum leap in 2026:
“While Thornton wasn’t particularly reliable in 2025, he showed a tremendous ceiling as a deep threat. He caught just 19 of 37 targets but averaged an impressive 23.1 yards per reception.
“A 2022 second-round pick of the New England Patriots, Thornton spent part of 2024 on Kansas City’s practice squad. He first got on the field with the Chiefs in 2025 and immediately had a career-best campaign. Don’t be shocked if Year 3 brings another jump.”
Before 2025, Thornton had career totals of 39 receptions, 389 yards, and two touchdowns. Last season, he had 19 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns.
Entering his second full season in Kansas City, Thornton has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the team. It will be a challenge early as they wait for Mahomes to return from his injury, but he can certainly be the deep threat that stretches defenses and opens up opportunities for other pass catchers.
Chiefs quarterbacks had a 121.2 passer rating when targeting him last year, so if he can cut down on his drops, Thornton could be the next big thing in Kansas City.
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