When the Kansas City Chiefs added Tyquan Thornton to their practice squad in November 2024, it barely registered on the radar. A second-round pick by the Patriots back in 2022, Thornton came into the league with blazing speed but struggled to put it all together in New England.
Injuries, drops, and inconsistency in his route running kept him from ever finding a rhythm. By the time the Chiefs scooped him up, most had already slapped the “bust” label on him.
But Kansas City saw something. And to his credit, Thornton made the most of the opportunity.
In limited action, he flashed the kind of big-play potential that made him a Day 2 draft pick in the first place. Now, as he heads into free agency, he’s no longer just a reclamation project-he’s a name to watch.
Let’s talk numbers. Thornton was targeted 37 times and hauled in 19 catches for 438 yards.
That’s a catch rate that still leaves room for improvement, but what jumps off the stat sheet is his yards per reception: a whopping 23.8. That’s not just good-it’s elite.
It tells you exactly what kind of receiver he is: a vertical threat who can stretch the field and change a game with a single play.
He found the end zone three times this season and clearly benefited from playing alongside Patrick Mahomes. Few quarterbacks can extend plays and improvise the way Mahomes does, and Thornton seemed to thrive in those unscripted moments. When Mahomes goes off-script, it’s backyard football at its finest-and Thornton has the speed to turn those broken plays into six points.
Still, there are concerns. Thornton’s slender build has made durability a recurring issue.
He ended the season in the concussion protocol, and availability continues to be a question mark. There’s also some redundancy in the Chiefs’ receiver room-Thornton’s skill set overlaps with that of Xavier Worthy, another speedster who’s also had trouble staying on the field.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell compared Thornton to Jacksonville’s Dyami Brown-another Day 2 pick who found his footing in a strong offense. It’s a fair comp.
Both are deep threats who can stretch defenses but haven’t yet put together a full, consistent season. That comparison sets the stage for the big question: should the Chiefs try to keep Thornton around?
Here’s the challenge. Kansas City is already over the salary cap and has pressing needs at multiple positions.
Thornton, who signed a $1.1 million deal for 2025, is likely looking at a raise in free agency. He’ll be just 25 years old when he hits the market, and in today’s wide receiver economy, that kind of age and upside can command a decent payday.
So it might come down to what Thornton wants. If he’s aiming to cash in, the Chiefs may not be able-or willing-to match what other teams might offer. But if he values the chance to keep catching passes from Mahomes, and is open to a team-friendly deal, there could be a path forward in Kansas City.
Thornton’s story isn’t finished yet. He’s gone from forgotten to intriguing in just a few months. Now, with free agency looming, he’s got a shot to write the next chapter-whether that’s in Kansas City or somewhere else.