The Chiefs have a lot to do this offseason if they want to keep this dynasty alive once the 2025 season comes rolling. A big factor in that is third-year WR Rashee Rice. Rice’s year quickly ended with a devastating knee injury after a rocky offseason in 2024 and a hot start to the 2024 NFL season. He’s working his way back from injury, and the most recent update from Chiefs HC Andy Reid indicates that Rice’s recovery is going on positively for the 2025 NFL season.

Before suffering his knee injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Rice had already recorded two 100-yard receiving games. He was on the run for over 1,600 receiving yards and 11 touchdown receptions. Speaking to Underdog Fantasy’s Josh Norris and Hayden Winks, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer was optimistic that Rice will emerge healthy in the next season. However, uncertainty looms over his future off the gridiron.

On March 30th last year, Rice and Theodore Knox were captured speeding on Central Expressway, which led to a chain of accidents injuring 4 people. Then, a dashcam footage at the scene also caught Rice and the other driver walking out of their vehicles near University Boulevard. Later, after the Dallas Police investigation, Rice also took full responsibility for the incident with a note on social media. “I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday’s accident.” So, with everything still going on for a year, Rice is yet to get a verdict on this case.

And that might have saved him from a possible suspension in the league. NFL typically likes to wait before their players’ legal situations are resolved in the court, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had said in February 2024. Now, as things stand, Rice’s case might not get a hearing for at least the next few months. His current session runs from January 14th to June 2nd. Even if some judgment does arrive in June because of state law, Rice could get a breather till July. Texas law doesn’t allow civil or criminal cases to continue until 30 days have passed since the last session. In light of this, it looks like any potential suspension from the NFL probably will not come in the next 4 months.

However, if something does happen in the worst-case scenario, then what? Well, in that case, the Chiefs could expect a minimum of 3-4 game suspension for Rashee Rice. Why? Because of him being a first-time offender. Of course, right now everything is a prediction until the court comes in with the final decision. And while the Chiefs are unsure what’s gonna happen with their star receiver. It seems they are already planning for something big. Something that could make them scary again.

Andy Reid expected to land DK Metcalf after he was placed on the trade block

The Chiefs entered last season with receivers like Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy. And came out with only Worthy as their top receiver. Considering it was his rookie year, he still outperformed everyone in that room. The Chiefs will no doubt be proud of his growth. But at the same time, they will be wondering whether it is a good thing. A rookie outperforming mid-season veteran like DeAndre Hopkins is never a good sign. It means the Chiefs are poised to rely upon a rookie sensation more in 2025 than a host of veteran names.

Maybe that’s why the Chiefs are preparing to throw their hat at someone proven. Disgruntled receiver DK Metcalf has requested a trade out of Seattle. Still only 27, Metcalf comes with 6 years of experience in the league and two Pro Bowls. He has averaged over 1,050 receiving yards in his 6 seasons, all with the Seahawks. So, adding him to the receiver room will surely be a massive upgrade on the current state of the Chiefs receivers.

However, getting him probably will not be that easy. The Seahawks are expecting at least a first-round and a third pick to trade Metcalf. And wait there’s more. Metcalf himself is asking for $30M per season and a massive upgrade on his $24M a season deal. So, it’s totally up to the Chiefs whether they are willing to make this move. Imagine Patrick Mahomes having Worthy on one side and Metcalf on the other while Rice slots in once he does returns. It will be like those days where the Chiefs used to blow teams apart.

To be honest, the Chiefs need to show some ambition in landing star targets. Because more options for Mahomes will only mean more Super Bowls are on the way. As for the Chiefs, they will surely be hoping for a vengeful year after getting humiliated at the biggest stage.