KC Chiefs WR Rashee Rice called Chiefs’ “biggest roster decision” and awaits suspension

Rashee Rice’s tumultuous offseason has been well-documented, and the second-year Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver is widely expected to be suspended for the start of the 2024 NFL season for allegedly being involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Dallas, Texas. If Rice is suspended for a significant portion of the year, how are the Chiefs expected to adjust?

Gilberto Manzano from SI.com analyzed the “biggest roster decisions” of every team in the AFC, and Manzano highlighted that Rice and his potential suspension provided the impetus for KC’s next big decision.

Biggest decision: What will you do about a possible suspension of Rashee Rice?
Rice stepped up in his rookie season and was instrumental in the Chiefs winning another Super Bowl last season, but he could be out when the 2024 season begins as he faces a suspension for his alleged involvement in a car crash last month. (Editor’s note: The crash occurred on March 30.) The Chiefs need rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy to contribute immediately, and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will have to adjust quickly to his new team if Rice is away for an extended period of time.

That’s an interesting approach because honestly, I don’t know what “decision” the Chiefs can make here. Rice’s car accident occurred nearly a month before the 2024 NFL Draft, but after the headline-grabbing free agent transactions. Kansas City has already seen some additional wide receiver options pass them by, as Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Jones and Tyler Boyd all signed with other teams after the draft, long after KC would have had a good idea how long Rice could be suspended.

At this point, it seems like the Chiefs have already made their most important decision: There will be no major additions unless they make a spectacular trade for an established wide receiver looking for a new job. Additionally, the length of Rice’s suspension would not be the primary reason for trading for a player like Tee Higgins or DK Metcalf, who would be long-term investments well beyond Rice’s potential suspension period.

The Chiefs could still consider signing Michael Thomas, Hunter Renfrow or Mecole Hardman, but none of them would directly replace Rice and they would all be competing for a position with or without Rice on the active roster. The time for another decision on an immediate-impact wide receiver has come and gone for the Chiefs. With Rice likely on the bench, they’re taking their first look at their internal options for larger roles, with a chance to sign one of those secondary-role pass catchers just before training camp. But as I said, the team is definitely preparing to go part of the year without Rice; I don’t think the NFL’s official communication will change their view of things unless there’s a major surprise from league headquarters.

Read more: Photographer in alleged assault on Rashee Rice reportedly demands that charges be dropped