Patrick Mahomes approves Tyreek Hill return to the Chiefs: “That would be great”
Chiefs stars openly backed bringing Hill back after injuries suddenly changed Kansas City’s receiver situation
The Kansas City Chiefs left Las Vegas with a 30-27 win, a 4-0 record and a receiving corps facing serious questions.
Rashee Rice exited early with a hamstring strain, while Tyquan Thornton suffered a severe left ankle injury in the fourth quarter.
Almost immediately, attention turned to Tyreek Hill , the former Chiefs star who is now a free agent and working his way back from a major knee injury. The idea clearly has support inside the locker room.
“I have no idea [if that would happen], but it’d be pretty cool,” Patrick Mahomes told The Athletic’s Michael Silver. That was one of several endorsements from prominent Chiefs players after the game.
Kelce leaves no doubt about wanting Hill back
Travis Kelce was far more expansive when asked about the possibility.
“That’s out of my hands, but I know I’d love to have ‘The Cheetah’ back in this building,” Kelce said. “He’s a brother. He’s one of those people who, when he sets his mind to something, he usually delivers.”
Kelce then pointed to Hill ’s success after Kansas City traded him to Miami in 2022.
“You saw that with Miami, when all the haters were saying he couldn’t play and he went and had his best year,” Kelce said. “I’d be excited by what he could do [here].”
Chris Jones was just as direct. “I hope we do,” Jones said. L’Jarius Sneed added: “Man, I hope so.”
Kansas City has already contacted Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus , to express interest, according to the information provided. The biggest hurdle is not familiarity or locker-room fit. It's Hill’s health.
Hill’s recovery will decide everything
Hill ’s 2025 season ended after he dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL.
Since then, he has regularly posted training videos showing his speed, footwork and change of direction. In one recent clip, he wrote: “Smooth like butter.”
The Chiefs are believed to view November as a realistic return target. Hill ’s history with Kansas City also makes the fit unusually simple.
He spent six seasons with the Chiefs , scored 62 total touchdowns and developed into one of the league’s most explosive receivers alongside Mahomes and Kelce .
A short-term, incentive-heavy contract could make sense for both sides, particularly with Kansas City carrying just over $3 million in salary-cap space entering the week.
The football logic is obvious. The emotional side may be even clearer. Mahomes, Kelce, Jones and Sneed have all effectively opened the door. Now the decision comes down to whether Hill is healthy enough for the Chiefs to walk through it.
