As the Kansas City Chiefs seek a replacement for Rashee Rice, they are feverishly searching the free agent market. If their best wide receiver is suspended for at least half of the season, as some believe, the Chiefs will be short on playmakers next season, despite the signings of Hollywood Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, there aren’t many high-end options remaining on the market. Naturally, exceptional pass catchers don’t last long after the draft. However, there are a couple receivers that may provide solid depth and start while Rice is sidelined.
One of these is Zay Jones, a former Raiders and Jaguars wide receiver. According to Adam Schefter’s latest report, the 29-year-old wide out will meet with the Chiefs on Thursday.
Jones has previously visited the Titans, Cardinals, and Cowboys. However, the Chiefs provide him with a unique opportunity to be a key part of the offense while competing for the Super Bowl.
After being released by the Jaguars, where he had spent the previous two seasons, Jones became one of the most sought-after free agents.
Jones originally appeared on the scene during his senior year at East Carolina. With 158 receptions this season, he shattered the NCAA Division I single-season record. As a result, the Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
In the offseason of 2022, Jones signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Jaguars. As recently as 2022, he had 82 catches for 823 yards and five touchdowns.
If he can find some of his 2022 form, he may be an exciting addition to the Chiefs. With his 6-foot-2, 200-pound size, he has the potential to be a consistent red-zone threat for Patrick Mahomes.
Jones did not develop into the great receiver that some expected, but at this point in the summer, the Chiefs cannot do much better than him as Rashee Rice insurance.
