Andrew Buller-Russ
Rashee Rice’s latest slip-up, failing a drug test while on probation, will force him to miss valuable practice time with the Kansas City Chiefs. It also has some wondering whether the Chiefs should make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid receivers before his contract expires at the end of the season.
Even before Rice’s recent mishap, there were concerns about the Chiefs’ receiving corps and whether they’ve provided Patrick Mahomes with enough talent to compete for another Super Bowl. But now things get more complicated.
Recently, Sports Illustrated‘s NFL insider Albert Breer raised the question of whether the NFL might suspend Rice again. Remember, the Chiefs receiver was suspended for six games last season. Whether he faces further suspension or not, Breer believes Kansas City’s general manager Brett Veach may now reconsider adding more talent at the position.
Breer specifically linked the Chiefs to signing free agent receiver Stefon Diggs or possibly even “circling back” to a trade for A.J. Brown, something he also mentioned last week.
“Instead, Kansas City’s best bet is probably to see where things go this year and, if it works out, franchise-tag him next year to get another look at whether he truly has turned the corner. And maybe look for some veteran insurance at receiver so they’re ready for the chance of a suspension (that wouldn’t be about the weed, either, but violating his probation). Maybe that’s Stefon Diggs. Maybe it’s circling back on A.J. Brown.”
SI’s Albert Breer on Chiefs WR targets
If not Diggs, perhaps checking in on Tyreek Hill to see how rehab from his 2025 torn ACL is coming along. Both sides would likely be open to a reunion at a much lower cost than the Chiefs were paying him before.
The Chiefs may not know whether Rice will face further punishment by the league, but as they’ve seen before, it never hurts to add more depth at an important position. With several potential impact receivers available, it would be wise for the Chiefs to see if they can still add more talent at the position.
Related: Stefon Diggs Rumors Point to 3 Realistic Landing Spots
