Thornton, a 2022 second-round pick out of Baylor, turned heads at the NFL Combine with a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash, establishing himself as a vertical threat.
However, his time with the New England Patriots was marred by injuries and inconsistency, limiting him to just 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns in 28 games.
After being waived by New England, Thornton attracted interest from over a dozen teams, including the New Orleans Saints, before choosing to join the defending Super Bowl champions. “A fresh start for the former second-round pick,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport remarked.
Source: Former #Patriots WR Tyquan Thornton is signing with the #Chiefs practice squad.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2024
A fresh start for the former second-round pick who was waived Saturday. pic.twitter.com/PnV67x8yh9
Thornton’s signing comes at a crucial time for Kansas City, as the team navigates injuries to key receivers Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice.
With a knack for maximizing talent, head coach Andy Reid sees Thornton’s speed as a perfect fit for his offensive philosophy.
Analysts have likened Thornton to current Chiefs wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling, praising his size and ability to stretch the field. “That’s speed you can’t teach, and Andy Reid knows exactly how to use it,” wrote Charles Goldman of A-to-Z Sports.
Practicing alongside Patrick Mahomes could unlock Thornton’s untapped potential and elevate him into a contributor for a Kansas City offense currently ranked 16th in the NFL.
60 seconds of new #Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton pic.twitter.com/k2fbwRWKhz
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) November 18, 2024
“He shines on verticals, slants, and deep posts,” film analyst Nick Jacobs noted, emphasizing Thornton’s explosiveness as a deep threat.
If he adapts quickly to Reid’s playbook, Thornton could be elevated to the active roster and provide the Chiefs with another weapon as they pursue another Super Bowl run.
Photo Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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