Chiefs aim to capitalize on Patriots' mistake after signing former second-round pick to practice squad
The Kansas City Chiefs will look to capitalize on another team's error with their latest practice squad signing. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs are set to sign former New England Patriots WR Tyquan Thornton to their practice squad. A former second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Thornton was waived after the Patriots […]
The Kansas City Chiefs will look to capitalize on another team's error with their latest practice squad signing.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs are set to sign former New England Patriots WR Tyquan Thornton to their practice squad. A former second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Thornton was waived after the Patriots activated DT Christian Barmore this past weekend. Thornton was taken by New England with pick No. 50 in 2022, which Kansas City actually traded to the Patriots. They'd receive picks Nos. 54 and 158, with the prior being used to select WR Skyy Moore out of Western Michigan.
Thornton was rumored to be available for trade at the NFL's trade deadline. He was unclaimed on waivers, largely due to his salary as a former second-round pick, making him an unrestricted free agent. He was free to sign with any team and had interest from over a dozen teams per ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler. He opted for a chance to join the reigning Super Bowl champions.
It made sense for the Patriots to release Thornton as he'd been relegated to a much smaller role during the 2024 NFL season. They had a logjam in the wide receiver room with Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk, Kendrick Bourne, KJ Osborn, and Javon Baker at the position on the 53-man roster. The mistake, however, was not truly giving the second-round pick a chance.
In 2.5 seasons with New England, the speedy wideout recorded just 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns. Most of that production came during his rookie season after a fractured clavicle stunted his growth during the most important part of the year. He'd injured his shoulder again in 2023 and never seemed to regain favor in New England through the team's various changes at quarterback and head coach.
It's easy to see what attracts Kansas City to Thornton, though. The former Baylor Bear posted a 4.28s 40-yard dash time leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft. That's speed something that you simply can't teach and something that Andy Reid knows how to use in his offense all too well.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirms suspicions on surprising Kingsley Suamataia decision in Week 11 vs. Bills
The Kansas City Chiefs haven’t given up on Kingsley Suamataia, but they’re doing their best to set him up for long-term success.
