A new group of wide receivers will be joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
Kansas City has decided to rely on a team effort to replace Tyreek Hill, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins. To compete with Josh Gordon and Mecole Hardman for important reps, the AFC West champions brought Marquez Valdes–Scantling and JuJu Smith–Schuster to replace Tyreek Hill.
Head coach Andy Reid spoke out during press conference via Pro Football Talk’s Myles Simmons. He said that he was impressed by how Smith-Schuster’s and Valdes-Scantling’s free-agent signings this offseason.
Reid stated that they have a good relationship with Pat [Mahomes] to this point. “It will be interesting to see how that continues when it is live bullets and all the other stuff.” We’ll watch how it goes. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was anything other than what I’ve seen.”
He also complimented Hardman (the team’s longest-tenured receiver at the age of 24) and Moore (this year’s second round pick).
Reid said that Mecole had improved his game and done a great job. Skyy, our young child, has also been doing well. I love the mix of everything we have going.
Mahomes relied heavily upon Travis Kelce and Hill throughout his career without Kansas City having a second star wideout. Hardman’s career records for receiving yards (693) and catches (59), were set last season. In his fourth season, he could be offered a more substantial role.
Kansas City seems to prefer a mix-and match approach to Hill’s replacement. Hardman is fast, Valdes-Scantling has the ability to take down opposing secondaries and a healthy Smith Schuster can move the chains as an effective possession receiver.
Moore is, however, a potential wildcard. Reid described Moore as a “good route runner” who “catches all.”
Arrowhead’s passing offense will not be the same this season, but it’s not necessarily the worst.