The Kansas City Chiefs keep getting faster, as the team used their fourth-round pick on wide receiver Jalen Royals. A former track and field star, the Utah State product excels at making plays after the catch and blowing past defenses for his 4.3 speed. While he wouldn’t be a fit in every offense, his ability to make plays in open space makes him a dream fit for a gifted offensive mind like Andy Reid.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs depth chart is overloaded with players with similar descriptions. 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy also wins with speed in the short area of the field, and veteran Marquise Brown is also a speed threat. Given their similar skills and positional overlap, Kansas City won’t be able to put all three players on the field at the same time.
Jalen Royals and Worthy aren’t going anywhere, so that makes Marquise Brown the odd man out in the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver room. The team will likely keep him around in case injury strikes, but he probably won’t make the Week 1 roster if everyone stays healthy.
Chiefs Could Part Ways With Marquise Brown Following Jalen Royals Selection
At his best, Marquise Brown was one of the league’s better deep threats. The wide receiver entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and recorded 1,008 receiving yards during the 2021 season. However, he’s struggled to stay healthy since then and only appeared in two games with the Chiefs last year.
Re-signed to a one-year deal, Kansas City could trade or release Marquise Brown with minimal financial implications. While Jalen Royals has the brighter future in the league, several teams should be willing to roll the dice on Marquise Brown if the Chiefs part ways with him.
Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have yet to address the wide receiver position in the NFL Draft, and it’s too late for them to find a prospect who can contribute on Day 1. Dak Prescott is an above-average starter, but he’s not good enough to win a Super Bowl with a weak supporting cast. CeeDee Lamb is a phenomenal player, but this team needs a complementary weapon like Brown to take off the defense and open running lanes.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have two star receivers in Puka Nacua and recent free agent signee Davante Adams. While both players have their respective strengths, neither one is particularly fast. Marquise Brown can bring a vertical element this team desperately lacks as they hope to make one last push under the aging Matthew Stafford. If Jalen Royals impresses in the Chiefs offseason program, don’t be surprised if the Rams trade a late-round pick in 2026 for Brown’s services.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have a franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels and are looking to strike while their championship window is open. Terry McLaurin can do a little bit of everything and Deebo Samuel excels after the catch, but he can’t stretch the field vertically. Daniels throws one of the game’s prettiest deep balls, and Brown could have a career season when reunited with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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