The Kansas City Chiefs are digging into familiar territory as they try to shore up a receiver group hit hard by injuries.
With Rashee Rice out because of a hamstring injury and Tyquan Thornton sidelined after dislocating his ankle in the Week 4 win over the Raiders, Kansas City has started weighing its options. One name that has surfaced is Justin Watson, a player who already knows the system and has a history of fitting right into big moments.
According to Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs are among several teams interested in Watson. Sweeney noted the update on October 9 and said the wideout could have more than one landing spot as he looks for his next opportunity.
Watson spent three seasons in Kansas City from 2022 through 2024, and that run lined up with one of the best stretches in franchise history. The Chiefs reached the Super Bowl in each of those three seasons and won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Across 50 games with Kansas City, Watson totaled 64 catches for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns.
He also made his mark on the biggest stage. Watson played a crucial role in Super Bowl LVIII, hauling in two key fourth-quarter catches as the Chiefs rallied to tie the San Francisco 49ers before winning in overtime.
After leaving Kansas City, Watson spent the 2025 season with the Houston Texans, but they released him during roster cuts in August. A reunion would give the Chiefs a receiver who already understands Andy Reid’s offense and can help in more than one way. His speed downfield and his work as a blocker in the run game both stand out as useful traits while Kansas City sorts through its injury issues.
Watson is not the only former Chief the team has looked into. Kansas City has also checked on Tyreek Hill, though that situation is much murkier. Hill is still recovering from a major knee injury and is also dealing with a civil lawsuit involving his ex-wife, which complicates any potential move.
The Chiefs have at least kicked the tires on both possibilities. For now, though, Watson looks like the cleaner and more familiar answer as Kansas City searches for help at receiver.
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