It was a big blow to the Kansas City Chiefs offense when wide receiver Tyquan Thornton dislocated his ankle against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. He could recover in time for the postseason, but the team still has 13 regular-season games to play well against a tougher slate of opponents.
So it shouldn’t be surprising if the team is looking for a way to replace Thornton’s downfield role in the offense. Before Thornton was plugged into the offense in 2025, wide receiver Justin Watson manned an impactful spot in Kansas City as a deep ball threat.
The Chiefs seem interested in turning back the clock on Thornton’s predecessor.
According to good friend of the site Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Starthe Chiefs are “among several teams” interested in signing Watson, who is currently a free agent after being released by the Houston Texans this preseason. In 2025, Watson signed with Houston as a free agent after Thornton impressed on the Chiefs’ practice squad through the end of the 2024 season.
He appeared in just two games for the Texans last season before going on the Reserve/Injured list with a calf injury; he returned for the Texans’ regular-season finale and played on special teams in the playoffs.
In Kansas City, Watson caught 64 passes for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns; 56 of his 64 completions resulted in a first down or touchdown.
In his final two seasons with the Chiefs, Watson amassed 694 yards and three touchdowns on 35 catches on passes thrown 10 or more yards downfield, according to Pro Football Focus.
Watson may not be the only reunion in Kansas City’s receiving corps, but he could provide the field-stretching dynamic that Thornton has built his role on. Watson has limitations seen when Thornton stepped into a similar position and had more success, but the familiarity with the offense — along with the chemistry downfield with quarterback Patrick Mahomes — could be enticing for a midseason addition.