Patrick Mahomes’ praise for young Chiefs WR proves they may not need Tyreek Hill, ‘he’s one of those…’

Chiefs’ Tyquan Thornton has revitalized his career in Kansas City, drawing praise from Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs went into Week 1 of the 2025 season shorthanded at wide receiver, and within minutes that situation got even worse.

Rashee Rice had been suspended for the first six games of the season, and the team knew they were going to need to lean on Xavier Worthy in his absence. Before the second-year receiver could make a single catch, he was injured in a collision with Travis Kelce, and ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Mahomes and the offense have now been without both Rice and Worthy for the first three games, and they’ve needed somebody to step up and make a play. Many had claimed they should be trading for a receiver, and Tyreek Hill’s name was consistently mentioned amidst the adversity.

However, Tyquan Thornton stepped up. He had signed with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad late last season, after being released by the New England Patriots in November.

The former second-round pick had struggled to make a name for himself in New England, but he has turned a corner this season with the Chiefs.

Thornton was instrumental in the win over the New York Giants, proving to be the deep threat option in the Chiefs’ offense early in the season.

While leading 16-9, Mahomes targeted Thornton in man-to-man coverage downfield, and the wide receiver caught it under intense pressure to put the Chiefs on the one-yard line.

The receiver had almost caught a deep ball just moments earlier, but the football had hit the ground and was ruled incomplete.

Thornton said he knew he was going to get another shot, and this time he got it right.

“I saw the ball as soon as it came out of his hand,” Thornton said post-game. “I knew he was coming to me. I knew he was going to give me another opportunity, so once I locked on the nose of the ball, I just squeezed on it.”

Mahomes has been really pleased with Thornton so far this season, and while they’ve missed on a few, the quarterback continues to dial up deep balls for the fourth-year wide receiver.

After the game, Mahomes said:

I [threw] to him a couple of times last year just to see what he had. You could see he had juice… [This year,] he was one of those guys working with me in Texas. I knew he was going to be a good football player, but he’s even exceeding my expectations. He’s stepping up whenever the opportunity has been provided for him.”

Thornton said the praise from Mahomes meant a lot to him, and if he can continue to play a role in the offense when Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy come back, the Chiefs might be just fine with the guys they’ve got.

The Chiefs are a favorite for a Tyreek Hill trade if the 31-year-old becomes available

Rumors have circulated about a potential reunion between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyreek Hill, who is stuck on an 0-3 Miami Dolphins roster that doesn’t look ready to push for the playoffs in 2025.

The veteran is frustrated with his current situation, and many believe he will be playing elsewhere by the time the trade deadline comes around.

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly taken calls on Tyreek Hill’s availability, but are adamant that they don’t want to trade him. At least not yet.

Considering Hill’s frustrated rant at the end of the 2024 season, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t try to force his way out of Miami as playoff ambitions quickly fade. They’re 0-3 right now, and a couple of wins could change their course, but if the losses continue, Hill could be moved.