Given the roster construction in the years following the 2022 trade of then–four-time All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, few positions have had a more polarizing effect on the Chiefs fan base. The Kingdom has been starved for another difference-maker in the receiver room and has largely been disappointed with the results. The closest they’ve come to a true solution is Rashee Rice, and while he’s certainly delivered on the field, he’s left a world to be desired off of it.
Enter Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs' first-round pick in the '24 Draft. He had just posted a Combine-record-breaking run of 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His route-running, elite speed, and explosiveness opened new possibilities for a receiver room led by Rashee Rice and Justin Watson. Worthy had physical tools no other player at his position had in Kansas City. We've seen the athleticism on display at times, but he still hasn't put it all together yet.
Xavier Worthy's athleticism isn't the problem
Some would argue that his athleticism hasn’t been as advertised. Social media has been filled with conversations about whether Worthy is simply a track athlete playing football or if he has legitimate football speed. I’d argue the athleticism is not the concern. For me, the issue is that Worthy has failed to do the little things consistently enough for his athleticism to truly serve him. Unfortunately for him, it’s been on display twice in the first two weeks of the new season.
In the Week 1 game versus the division rival Denver Broncos, Worthy motioned across the formation and took a swing pass from Patrick Mahomes that got him into space. Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillan had the angle on Worthy and closed fast near the boundary. The third-year receiver tried to hit the brakes and change direction, but McMillan brought him down after a short gain. In that moment, his speed and explosiveness were negated because he couldn’t make the move in space. At 165 pounds, he'll never reliably break tackles at this level, but avoiding contact more often would unlock more of his athleticism.
The little things are becoming costly for Worthy
On Sunday, the Chiefs were threatening to extend their 24-20 lead late in the third quarter. On a 1st-and-10 play from the Colts' 32-yard line, Mahomes rifled a throw into Worthy near the boundary. The ball fell incomplete as Worthy allowed the ball to come into his frame as safety A.J. Haulcy made contact. Body catching at his stature lowers the chances of a completion. Worthy has to attack the football and secure the catch with his hands. It was another missed opportunity to build trust with his quarterback. Those inevitably hurt his chances for looks when he does create separation.
There's still time for Worthy to become a more dependable option in the passing game, but the window to avoid the bust label is closing. Draft position begets expectations, and Worthy is trending in the wrong direction. He flashed big‑play ability in his rookie season, punctuated by his lone 100‑yard performance in the Super Bowl (LIX) loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also left yardage on the field because of a lack of spatial awareness and bad footwork on the boundary. His 2025 campaign was marred by a torn labrum and an ankle injury. His future in Kansas City is at risk if he can't start doing the little things more consistently.
Xavier Worthy doesn't need to be a star in Kansas City. If he can just be a steadier contributor, he'll help this passing offense avoid the slog against stronger defenses. He has the support of one of the league's best wide receiver coaches in Chad O'Shea, and the hope is that he'll continue to evolve as a player under his tutelage. If he can't, his time could be running out in Kansas City as his fifth-year option approaches in 2027.
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