The Kansas City Chiefs have a tendency to do this.
They find a wide receiver who wasn’t wanted elsewhere and turn him into a useful piece of their offense.
A guy like Justin Watson filled that role in recent years, but he’s gone. So who’s next up?
Insert the name Tyquan Thornton here. The journeyman and former Patriots wideout is tearing it up at training camp.
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Here’s what ESPN’s Nate Taylor had to write about him on Wednesday:
Tyquan Thornton, a fourth-year receiver, joined the Chiefs’ practice squad in November. Thornton and the Chiefs’ mutual decision appears to be a great one for both parties.
Thornton has consistently produced highlights with quarterback Patrick Mahomes while running routes along the sideline. Thornton’s rise up the depth chart — he was featured with the first-team offense throughout Wednesday’s practice — means he could have a rotational role in September.
Top receiver Rashee Rice is expected to be suspended by the NFL before the start of the regular season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after he and another speeding driver caused a chain-reaction crash that left multiple people injured on a Dallas highway last year.
One man’s suspension is another man’s opportunity.
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Thornton was a second-round pick of the Patriots in 2022, not really that long ago.
In his career, he has 39 catches for 385 yards.
He was a worthwhile chance for the Chiefs, who know what to do with talented players.
And if he keeps up what he’s doing in training camp, Thornton could be a huge piece in the early going.
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