Chiefs Players with Most to Prove in 2026

Worth solidified himself as a first-round prospect after breaking the 40-yard dash record with a 4.21 time at the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. That performance intrigued the Chiefs so much, that they traded up to No. 28 to draft the former Texas wide receiver.

While that speed electrified the combine, it has not exactly translated to elite production for the Chiefs. After totaling 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season, Worthy followed that up with 42 receptions for 532 yards and one touchdown in 14 games played. Even if the 22-year-old receiver played the entirety of the season in 2025, he still would not have met any of his numbers from the season prior.

Entering his third year in the NFL, and having been a first-round pick, there is a ton of pressure on Worthy to establish himself as a more dependable pass-catching option for this offense. With Patrick Mahomes potentially missing some time next season, the Texas product could experience a slow start out of the gates.

Rashee Rice

Rice has been productive during his time on the field. The problem is, injuries and a six-game suspension this past season, has limited the 25-year-old receiver to 28 games played in his first three seasons.

In eight games, the 2023 second-round pick recorded 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns, which are very solid numbers when considering that he missed half the season.

As he enters the final year of his rookie deal, Rice needs to produce and prove that he can stay on the field for an entire season. It is tough to envision Kansas City handing Rice a new contract at any point in the next seven months, but if he wants a multi-year deal after 2026, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound receiver needs a strong performance in 2026.