Chiefs bring back one of their own in 2026 NFL free agency after career year in Kansas City in 2025
Tyquan Thornton is running it back with the Kansas City Chiefs for at least another season.
Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach is working the night shift.
With wide receiver options drying up in 2026 NFL free agency, the Chiefs have decided to bring back one of their own. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs are set to re-sign WR Tyquan Thornton. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that it’s a two-year, $11 million deal for Thornton.
A second-round pick (50th overall) by New England in 2022, Thornton never caught on with the Patriots. Thornton joined the practice squad in 2024 and played on a one-year, $1.1M deal in 2025. After playing 72% or more of the offensive snaps in the first three weeks of the season, Thornton was phased out of the offense as WR Xavier Worthy got healthy from his shoulder/ankle injuries, and WR Rashee Rice returned from suspension.
13 of his 19 catches on the season came in the first five weeks. 272 of his 438 yards and all three of his touchdown grabs also came in those first five games.
The Chiefs need to use WR Tyquan Thornton better in 2026
Thornton was essentially phased out of the Chiefs’ offense last season after developing a true chemistry with Patrick Mahomes early in the year, while others were unavailable. That was a mistake on the part of Kansas City, and they’d be wise to get him more involved, even if he plays a role as a return specialist for the team in 2026.
Thornton appeared on NFL Network on Monday morning and spoke about free agency, saying he wasn’t “looking just for a bag.”
“Going out there running fast, catching passes, dancing in the end zone, celebrating with my teammates, the process of putting the (work) in and going out there, seeing it all come to fruition, that’s what it’s all about for me.”
He also made it clear that he wanted to go somewhere where he felt valued, specifically mentioning the desire for a team with a clear offensive identity.
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