Chiefs Retain Breakout Wide Receiver on $11M Deal

Tyquan Thornton signs two-year contract to stay in Kansas City after standout 2025 season.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, keeping the breakout player from the 2025 season in their receiving corps. Thornton, who joined the Chiefs last offseason, had a productive campaign with 19 catches for 438 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Why it matters

Retaining Thornton is a key move for the Chiefs as they look to bounce back from a 6-11 season in 2025 and compete in the tough AFC West division. Thornton's emergence as a playmaker provides a boost to the receiving group alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The details

Thornton, a former 2022 second-round pick of the New England Patriots, had an inconsistent start to his NFL career before finding success in Kansas City last season. The two-year, $11 million deal with a max value of $14 million keeps the 24-year-old wideout under contract through the 2027 season.

  • Thornton joined the Chiefs in the 2025 offseason.
  • The Chiefs finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record, third in the AFC West division.

The players

Tyquan Thornton

A 24-year-old wide receiver who had a breakout 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs after inconsistent years with the New England Patriots.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will continue to have Thornton as a receiving threat in the offense.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The #Chiefs have agreed to terms WR Tyquan Thornton to a two-year, $11 million deal with a max value of $14 million, per his agents @henryorgann and @Agent_Big_Al of @disruptivesport. The speedster is back with Patrick Mahomes & Co. in KC.”

— Mike Garofolo, NFL Insider (Twitter)

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to build on Thornton's breakout season and continue developing his chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes as they aim to return to the playoffs in 2026.

The takeaway

Retaining Tyquan Thornton on a multi-year deal is a savvy move by the Chiefs, as the young receiver emerged as a key playmaker in their offense last season. His continued growth alongside Patrick Mahomes will be crucial for Kansas City as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.