If you’ve watched a single Chiefs game over the last two years, you’ve probably seen a skinny blur wearing number 1 streaking down the sideline. You might even be asking yourself, "Wait, what team is Xavier Worthy on now, and is he still the guy who broke the combine record?"
Honestly, it's a fair question. With the way the NFL news cycle spins, players move constantly. But as of January 2026, Xavier Worthy is still a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs offense.
He isn't just a roster filler, either. He's the guy Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are betting the house on to stretch defenses until they snap. But the road hasn't been all 4.21-speed highlights. The 2025 season was a brutal reality check for both Worthy and the Chiefs Kingdom.
The Chiefs’ Speedster: Where Worthy Stands in 2026
Xavier Worthy is currently entering the third year of his rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was their first-round prize in 2024, the result of a draft-day trade that still makes Buffalo Bills fans lose sleep.
Kansas City moved up to the 28th overall spot specifically to grab him. Why? Because you can’t coach 4.21 speed. That’s the official NFL Combine record he set, and it’s why he’s basically become Mahomes’ primary deep threat.
The 2025 Sophomore Slump and Surgery
Let’s be real: 2025 was tough. If you feel like you didn't see enough of Worthy on the highlight reels lately, there's a medical reason for that.
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Worthy recently shared on social media that he underwent successful shoulder surgery just yesterday, January 14, 2026. This procedure was to fix a torn labrum—an injury he’d been playing through since Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Imagine trying to catch a Mahomes "death missile" with a shoulder that’s literally falling out of the socket. He did it for 14 games. He finished the 2025 campaign with:
- 42 receptions
- 532 receiving yards
- 1 solitary touchdown
Those aren't exactly "Tyreek Hill" numbers. Fans were frustrated. The media was calling him a bust. But knowing he was wearing a shoulder harness and battling an ankle injury explains why he wasn't always creating that five-yard cushion we saw during his rookie year.
Why the Chiefs Traded Up for Him
To understand why Worthy is so vital to Kansas City, you have to look back at how he got there. The Chiefs weren't just looking for a fast guy; they were looking for the fast guy.
The Buffalo Trade
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs did the unthinkable: they traded with their biggest AFC rival, the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo let the Chiefs jump up to take Worthy.
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In hindsight, it was a massive gamble for Buffalo. Worthy’s rookie year was electric. He broke the Super Bowl record for receiving yards by a rookie, putting up 157 yards and two scores in Super Bowl LIX. Even though the Chiefs lost that game to the Eagles, Worthy proved he belonged on the big stage.
The Texas Longhorn Pedigree
Before he was a Chief, Worthy was a legend at the University of Texas. He was a freshman All-American and a two-time First-team All-Big 12 selection.
He didn't just run fast in Austin; he produced. That’s what Brett Veach, the Chiefs' GM, saw. He saw a guy who could handle the volume of a WR1, even if his 165-pound frame looked more like a high school point guard than an NFL wideout.
What's Next for Worthy in Kansas City?
The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025. It was their worst season in over a decade, finishing 6-11. Because of that, 2026 is a "prove it" year for everyone, especially Xavier Worthy.
His contract runs through 2028, and it's fully guaranteed. He’s not going anywhere. But with Travis Kelce’s career winding down and Rashee Rice facing his own set of questions, the Chiefs need Worthy to be more than just a deep threat. They need him to be a "monster," which is exactly what he promised to become in his post-surgery update.
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2026 Outlook and Expectations
Expectations are sky-high for the upcoming season. With a new wide receivers coach likely coming in and Worthy finally getting his shoulder fixed, the hope is that he returns to his rookie form.
If you’re drafting him in fantasy or just following the team, keep an eye on his training camp reports. A healthy Xavier Worthy changes how defenses play Patrick Mahomes. Without that deep threat, teams can sit on the intermediate routes and make the Chiefs' offense look stagnant.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Worthy's career or wondering how this affects the Chiefs' future, here are the key takeaways:
- Roster Security: Worthy is locked in with the Chiefs through 2028. He is a fundamental part of their long-term rebuild.
- Injury Recovery: Watch for his "road to recovery" updates. Shoulder labrum surgery typically has a 4-to-6 month recovery window for full contact, meaning he should be ready for training camp in July.
- Draft Strategy: For those in dynasty leagues or early 2026 fantasy drafts, Worthy is a classic "buy low" candidate. His 2025 stats were depressed by injury, not necessarily a lack of talent.
- Rivalry Watch: Keep an eye on the Bills vs. Chiefs matchups. The narrative of the "Worthy Trade" will continue to be a talking point as long as Worthy is in a Chiefs uniform.
The Kansas City Chiefs are betting that the fastest man in NFL history can help them reclaim their dynasty. Now that his surgery is behind him, the 2026 season will determine if he’s the next great Chiefs receiver or just a track star in cleats.