SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Justin Watson #84 celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs after catching a touchdown pass in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs have made a move for a wide receiver, bringing back one of their own in Justin Watson on a two-year deal.
The Chiefs still have more decisions to make at the wide receiver position, but at the very least they’ve taken a first step. Justin Watson, who had been a free agent, is heading back to Kansas City and may have an expanded role this season.
Watson caught 15 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns this past season. That was on a loaded receiving corps where opportunities were at a premium for him. Watson previously played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and joined the Chiefs to win his second Super Bowl in three seasons.
Chiefs: What Justin Watson signing means
By signing Watson, Kansas City ensured that they don’t lose another wideout who is familiar with the offense. Watson can teach his younger teammates, and be a leader by example come training camp.
Thankfully for KC, they have Patrick Mahomes as their starting quarterback. Last year’s MVP can make just about any group of targets look capable. Still, expect the Chiefs to select at least one wide receiver high in the NFL Draft, whether it be the first or second round.
The Chiefs have also hyped up the looming return of Justyn Ross, a player they selected out of Clemson. Ross has dealt with major injuries dating back to his college days at Clemson. With Hardman and Smith-Schuster both gone, he will receive a chance to earn some playing time in minicamp and eventually training camp.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore and others still remain from last year’s group as well, so it’s not like KC is flying blind at the position. Just like last year, Mahomes must regroup after the draft.
We’d expect nothing less.
