It doesn't feel like we're already entering the third year of the Xavier Worthy experiment but that's the timeline Kansas City Chiefs fans are living in. The team spent a late first-round pick on the Texas wide receiver in 2024 and now, two years later, he's ready to go for a crucial third season in the NFL.
Worthy spoke to the media on Wednesday and discussed everything ranging from Patrick Mahomes' return to what his role will be this year to new wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea.
On Patrick Mahomes' return to the lineup
Worthy was asked what he thought about the potential of being back on the field with Mahomes in Week 1 against the Broncos. His response will put Chiefs fans' minds at ease.
"Oh, he's back, ain't no potentially," Worthy said. "Whatever he puts his mind to, he's going to do. And obviously, he kind of leads the team in that way."
That's obviously good to hear. Worthy needs to have a productive third season and a healthy Mahomes throwing to him gives him the best opportunity to do just that.
On what he expects his role to be in 2026
Worthy had a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing his season with 532 yards and just one touchdown. It was a regression from what he did as a rookie (638 yards and six touchdowns) but he was dealing with a shoulder injury during his sophomore season in the pros.
Worthy was asked how his role might expand this year.
"Just being that down the field vertical threat and obviously running more routes where I could be physical at the top of the route. Last year, I obviously wasn't able to do that. I had the shoulder [injury], so now I'm healthy, so I can do that."
The Chiefs haven't had much of a down the field threat sadly and it's really hurt the offense. Mahomes used to be able to take the top off of defenses by slinging the football down the field but that hasn't been an option for him lately because his receivers haven't been able to get open and allow him to make the big plays we all know and love him for. Hopefully, Worthy can be that type of weapon.
On his relationship with Chad O'Shea
The Chiefs hired Chad O'Shea as their wide receivers coach this offseason and fans are hoping this is a move that finally sparks something at the position. O'Shea spent six seasons with the Browns in the same role and passing game coordinator so he has plenty of experience working with talented receivers and finding ways to bring out the best in them.
Worthy was asked how things are clicking with his new coach.
"Man, Coach O'Shea, he's going to work you. I know you all hear it out there. He's yelling 'Finish, finish, finish!'," Worthy said. "Coach O'Shea, man, his leadership, obviously, that was huge for us. He's a leader in the receiving room, and obviously, he puts a lot on us, but I feel like we can handle this. So, great addition to the room."
If the Chiefs can get their wide receivers going, that will be huge for an offense that has not gotten much production from the position in recent years. If O'Shea helps out in that department, this hire will go down in the books as one of the best of the offseason.
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