4 Chiefs with a breakout season opportunity in 2026

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 2: Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images There are so many of the usual pillars to the Kansas City Chiefs ’ success still leading the way into the 2026 season, even if quarterback Patrick Mahomes takes his time in recovering from injury. Whether it’s him, head coach Andy Reid, tight end Travis Kelce or defensive tackle Chris Jones, the core of the three-time Super Bowl champion organization is still likely the biggest factor towards claiming a fourth.

However, a new wave of difference makers must emerge to fill in the holes around the well-known All-Pros, especially with many of the previous supporting roles departing this offseason, like cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, or linebacker Leo Chenal. The Chiefs need a handful of players to “breakout” in 2026, taking talent that is clear to see and sharpening it to become more foundational pieces in the team’s quest to return to the playoffs. These are four that are in position to do so: 1.

WR Xavier Worthy When Kansas City selected Worthy with the 28th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, it was an exciting pick, given his record-setting speed, which made him a high-floor prospect in the Chiefs’ offensive scheme, and the realization that he has so much room to grow as a player, being just 21 years old on draft night. Immediately, the #Chiefs are getting a souped-up Mecole Hardman In the long term, the projection and hope is Hollywood Brown What to know about Xavier Worthy here: @ArrowheadPride https://t. co/BNu0ni5vFW — Ron Kopp Jr (@RonOnChiefs) April 26, 2024 I made the comparison to a former Chiefs speedster at the same position, calling Worthy a “souped-up” Mecole Hardman for being more fine-tuned in his route-running and receiving, while also having the same game-breaking long speed.

So far, Worthy’s career has not met even the production of Hardman’s first two years in the NFL, but Worthy has an excellent chance to further prove himself in 2026. Last season was marred by a Week 1 collision with Travis Kelce; Worthy suffered a dislocated right shoulder and a torn labrum, and he waited until after the season ended to get surgery . That’s worth noting in the 14-game sample from last season, where Worthy only racked up 532 yards and one touchdown after nine scores in his rookie campaign.