Chiefs Consider Reuniting With Wide Receiver Justin Watson

The Kansas City Chiefs are exploring a possible reunion with wide receiver Justin Watson as injuries threaten their receiving depth during the 2026 NFL regular season. According to Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star, the team has expressed interest in bringing back Watson, who previously played in Kansas City from 2022 through 2024. The Chiefs' interest follows injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton during their Week 4 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Rice sustained a hamstring injury that could sideline him in the short term, while Thornton dislocated his ankle and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the remaining regular season. Watson, who played for the Houston Texans in 2025, became a free agent after being released during roster cuts in August 2026. His familiarity with Kansas City's offensive system could make him a potential option to help address the team's depleted receiving group.

During his previous three-season stint with Kansas City, Watson appeared in 50 games and recorded 64 receptions for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns. The Chiefs reached the Super Bowl in each of those seasons and won consecutive championships following the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.

Watson also contributed during Super Bowl LVIII, making two important fourth-quarter receptions that helped Kansas City tie the game twice. His ability to threaten defenses with deep passes and contribute as a run blocker are additional attributes that could suit the team's current offensive needs. Meanwhile, Kansas City's potential reunion with former wide receiver Tyreek Hill remains uncertain. The team has contacted Hill's agent about a possible return, but his recovery from a major knee injury and an ongoing civil court case involving his ex-wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill, add complications to the situation.

Hill previously acknowledged threatening Lakeeta and pushing her in self-defense, according to the source report. He remains a free agent while rehabilitating the knee injury he sustained more than a year ago during his time with the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs could potentially pursue both Watson and Hill, although their situations differ. Watson offers previous experience in Andy Reid's offense, while Hill's possible return would require the organization to assess his recovery and the circumstances surrounding his legal case.