The Kansas City Chiefs have rotated through different names at wide receiver over the last few years. That continued in 2024. And overall, more changes are likely coming to the position for Kansas City in 2025.
The Chiefs are only set to have Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice back in 2025, among names that added true production this past season. Each of DeAndre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, and Mecole Hardman are free agents this offseason. Not all of those names will be back, of course, but it would not be surprising if one or two names from that group ultimately returned.
It is important to note that Kansas City will likely stay modest in their offers for free agent wide receivers. While they may not be shopping at the top of the market for star pass catchers, the Chiefs could still find some value with cheaper deals.
Who are some free agent wide receiver names that the Chiefs should target this offseason? Here are four to keep in mind for Kansas City.
Key Free Agent Wide Receivers for the Chiefs to Consider
1. Hollywood Brown
Of all the possible names that could be re-signed by the Chiefs, bringing back Hollywood Brown could benefit both the player and the team greatly. The offense was at its best, sans the Super Bowl, once Brown returned from injury in December. Brown could also look to get a fresh opportunity with Kansas City after missing most of the season with a tough injury.
Where does Brown help out the Chiefs the most? For one, he can win from the outside and from the slot. Brown was utilized on some attempts down the field after his return. If he and Patrick Mahomes can hit on more of those shots, perhaps the Chiefs can regain a form of explosiveness if Brown comes back.
Elsewhere, Mahomes already appeared comfortable when operating quickly when targeting Brown. It led to some chances for yards after the catch. If Mahomes believes in him that much, even with a small sample size, Kansas City should not waste time trying to bring him back.
2. Josh Palmer
Josh Palmer is a name that the Chiefs know pretty well, given his time in the AFC West with the Los Angeles Chargers. Palmer would provide more size and toughness in the pass-catching room for Kansas City. The greatest benefit to Mahomes is the way in which Palmer consistently wins down the field or in the intermediate areas.
Via Pro Football Focus, Palmer received a 96.5 grade for pass routes on deep passes (throws 20+ yards) in 2024. He also received a 94.8 grade for pass routes on intermediate throws (throws 10-19 yards). He can make jump balls result in his favor rather easily. Palmer also has the ability to outmuscle defenders with his large catch radius and strength at the catch point.
Little things like winning against man coverage and being a plus blocker on the outside could give Kansas City a nice buy-low candidate. The Chiefs already have some shiftier pass catchers. Adding someone with the prototypical size that Palmer possesses could do wonders for Mahomes.
3. Olamide Zaccheaus
Olamide Zaccheaus enjoyed a solid 2024 campaign, becoming a nice secondary weapon for rookie Jayden Daniels in Washington. Zaccheaus grew a rapport with Daniels in a variety of ways. He became a threat on throws down the field., but also was reliable on quick hitters, as well as when Washington needed extra yards after the catch.
The Chiefs already employ so many different offensive looks and move their receivers around the formation. For Zaccheaus, this is something that he is used to. As a move piece, Zaccheaus has experience in the slot and out wide. This is a name that may not turn heads immediately. However, Kansas City could do worse for a third or fourth wide receiver option, especially given the wide receiver bin they may be able to afford in free agency.
4. Dyami Brown
Brown is another receiver who enjoyed some highlights with Washington's offense this past season, and he feels like the kind of addition general manager Brett Veach would like to make. Brown is a former top-100 draft choice who never fully reached his potential on his original team. With an established offensive system like Kansas City's, Brown could possibly see an increase in production with the Chiefs.
Brown does not bring the same size as Palmer, yet he would still add some mass, compared to what Kansas City has largely utilized at wide receiver. Where Brown does his damage is by building up speed during routes to add more separation. His success as a vertical threat is also well-documented, dating back to his college career. He made some difficult catches down the field look more simple than they actually were.