Chiefs roster evaluation: Heavy investments at wide receiver work out

What we learned

Here’s what we learned about the future of the Chiefs’ WR corps: The names and numbers are going to be a little different, but the results should stay the same. Chiefs Kingdom has come to have very high expectations from the passing game, and rightfully so when you have the 2018 NFL MVP throwing the ball.

Hill will return as the unquestioned WR1 in 2020. He continues to display polish in his route-running, and with a little more work at bringing the ball in with his hands, Hill will remain in the discussion as one of the top four receivers in the NFL. He is arguably the most explosive player in the league, regardless of position, and as long as he is in the lineup, he makes everyone else’s job a little bit easier.

Watkins is not expected to return. He will have the highest cap number among any WR in the NFL in 2020, and while he is a good player, that number should be reserved for elite players. Watkins has stated that he would like to remain in Kansas City (and who could blame him?), and Veach has also indicated that he would like to find a way to arrange that. The problem is finding a place to meet at an agreement on what is appropriate salary. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the two can come together on a number, but it is not expected.

By cutting Watkins, the organization can save $14 million against the cap, and with other vital contract negotiations going on, Veach may need those dollars elsewhere. Yes, Watkins’ release would still cost $7 million in dead cap, but he can be replaced for less than the difference.

Robinson is also not expected to return. It’s not for lack of need in Kansas City; Robinson has served as quality depth for a few years now. It’s just the fact that it is highly likely that one or more out of 31 teams will be ready to offer Robinson a number that will not be anywhere near what the Chiefs can afford to offer him. Like a year ago when the team let Chris Conley go when offered a big contract, this is probably a situation where Robinson will get paid to start somewhere and the team will cordially wish him good luck and move on.

If Watkins and Robinson are not on the roster in 2020, that means Hill and Hardman are your primary targets, the problem there is that the team is missing their X-receiver in Watkins; a bigger target who can be counted on to move the sticks. Like Hill, Hardman thrives in a role where he can play off the line at the snap, often be in motion, and he won’t be able to do that if he’s not in the slot. So there are some snaps to be earned somewhere.

After those two, the team will also have Pringle, Fortson, Kemp, Davis and Dieter each vying for a bigger role as well. But that leaves us with some questions. Are those young prospects going to be sufficient for Veach and Reid, or will the team look to add another starter in free agency? Will they be able to avoid temptation during the draft, with what appears to be one of the deepest and most talented receiver crops in history? Or will they add yet another young weapon to replace Watkins? Time will tell.

One thing is certain. Whomever is in the huddle with Patrick Mahomes is going to get prime opportunities. It’s what they do with those opportunities that counts.