The wideout, 24, is coming off a standout rookie season. A second-round pick out of SMU, Rice racked up 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in his first campaign in the pros, finishing sixth in AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Already one of Patrick Mahomes‘ top targets, the rookie led all Chiefs receivers in catches and yards and paced all Kansas City players in receiving TDs. During K.C.’s run to its second straight Super Bowl title, Rice added 26 receptions for 262 yards and a score.
Whether Rice will be available to Mahomes and the Chiefs for the entirety of the 2024 season remains to be seen. He is subject to the NFL’s personal conduct policy and could face potential suspension.
Amid Rice’s troubles, Kansas City has added to its receiver room. The Chiefs signed former Ravens and Cardinals wideout Marquise Brown in March, drafted first-round pick Xavier Worthy in April and re-signed Mecole Hardman, who caught the game-winning TD of Super Bowl LVIII, just last week.
Rice has taken part in voluntary OTAs and is expected with the Chiefs for next week’s three-day mandatory minicamp, which kicks off on Tuesday.