The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar face to their practice squad. Head coach Andy Reid announced on Monday, right after their bye week, that they are signing former wide receiver Justin Watson. Watson spent three solid years with the team from 2022 to 2024 before taking a free-agent deal with the Houston Texans for 2025. He played a couple of games for Houston, but a calf/Achilles injury landed him on the injured list, though he did suit up for special teams in their playoff run.
Reid explained the move, praising Watson’s physical tools and his familiarity with the offense. “He was a good player for us when he was here. Obviously, he can run, and he’s fast; he has great size. He’s willing to do everything; he knows the offense; he’s a smart kid,” Reid said. At 6 feet 2 inches and 215 pounds, Watson has the prototypical big-frame speed, having run a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and jumped 40 inches at Penn’s Pro Day back in the day.
The signing makes perfect sense because Tyquan Thornton, the team’s main deep threat, suffered a dislocated ankle and is heading to the Reserve/Injured list. To clear the roster space, linebacker Cam Jones is getting bumped up to the active roster. During his time in Kansas City, Watson was basically the go-to guy for those big, high-pointing deep passes from Patrick Mahomes. Out of his 64 catches, 49 went for 10 or more yards downfield. With Thornton likely out for the season, Watson is the perfect plug-and-play option to keep the deep game moving.
Reid also touched on how the other receivers will step up. Xavier Worthy had a strong game recently and is going to keep getting targeted, but there is room for others. Rookie Cyrus Allen and second-year player Jalen Royals might see more snaps now. Reid likes Allen’s upside, calling him a good football player with real ability despite his youth. The Chiefs are hoping Watson can slide right in with minimal prep and provide that vertical stretch they need.
