The Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver group is stacked with speed and talent heading into the 2025 NFL season, much to the delight of their pass-master Patrick Mahomes.
While most of the spotlight falls on names like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, there’s a lesser-known name that could soon emerge as a vital contributor – Tyquan Thornton.
Signed to the practice squad last season after a lackluster stint in New England, Thornton is starting to generate buzz in Kansas City. His raw speed and recent praise from head coach Andy Reid suggest that he may finally be in the right system to unlock his potential.
“I like Tyquan (Thornton),” Reid said. “I like the way he’s approached things. He’s got the quarterback’s trust, which is a positive thing.
“You got valuable reps in here. The other guys could see that he’s a talented guy. So, so far, so good. Again, I’d like to see him in a game situation… I would anticipate he would do a nice job.”
Thornton’s first two years in the NFL were underwhelming. Drafted in the second round by the Patriots in 2022, he struggled to find a consistent role and totaled only 385 receiving yards and two touchdowns in two seasons.
But Kansas City, known for turning speedsters into stars, could be the ideal landing spot for the former Baylor standout.
Built for speed and ready for his chance
What makes Thornton a potential X-factor for the Chiefs is his elite speed. He clocked a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine – a time that rivals the fastest players in the league. That speed fits perfectly into Reid’s offensive vision, which has always emphasized stretching the field and creating mismatches.
Xavier Worthy, who recently broke the Combine’s 40-yard dash record, acknowledged Thornton’s presence among the Chiefs’ deep stable of burners.
“Hollywood, Tyquan, we got a lot of guys out there ready to compete and a lot of guys ready to get the ball deep,” Worthy said, emphasizing the team’s collective speed threat.
Beyond deep routes, Thornton may carve out a role as a punt returner – a position where his speed could translate into field-flipping plays. With Kansas City exploring returner options and dealing with injuries at the position, this could be Thornton’s path onto the 53-man roster.
How he can help the Chiefs
The Chiefs have long shown a knack for developing players others have given up on, and Thornton may be next in line. If he continues to perform in training camp and builds on his chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City could gain another vertical threat who opens up the offense in new ways.
For Mahomes, having another receiver he trusts – especially one with the speed to beat defenders deep – is invaluable. Reid’s comments about that growing trust aren’t just filler; they’re a sign that Thornton is being taken seriously within the organization.
Tyquan Thornton may not have the name recognition of Kansas City’s top offensive weapons, but that may soon change. With rare speed, a chip on his shoulder, and a coaching staff known for maximizing potential, he’s quietly becoming one of the most intriguing players to watch during training camp.
In a high-powered offense led by Mahomes and orchestrated by Andy Reid, all it takes is one opportunity. If Thornton gets it – and makes the most of it – the Chiefs may have just uncovered their next secret weapon.
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