Cody Thompson Added to Bolster Receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs look to solidify their receiving corps for the final push of the 2024 NFL season and a potential deep playoff run, the team has made a strategic addition: wide receiver Cody Thompson has been signed to the active roster, the Chiefs announced on Wednesday. The move comes amid growing depth concerns at receiver for Kansas City, where injuries to Mecole Hardman Jr. (ankle sprain) and Kadarius Toney (hamstring strain) have left the team thin behind starters Rashee Rice and Skyy Moore. Thompson, a veteran with NFL experience and a reputation for reliable hands and special teams contributions, brings much-needed depth and versatility to an offense that relies on a rotating cast of receivers to keep defenses off balance. Cody Thompson Added to Bolster Receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs explores Thompson’s football journey, his fit with the Chiefs’ offense, and how he could contribute to the team’s late-season success.

Cody Thompson Added to Bolster Receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with Thompson’s path to the NFL, which is defined by resilience and consistent production at every level. A standout at the University of Toledo (2015-2018), Thompson left the Rockets as one of the most decorated receivers in program history: he ranks second all-time in career receptions (238), yards (3,312), and touchdowns (30), and earned First-Team All-MAC honors in 2017 and 2018. His college success caught the eye of NFL scouts, but a knee injury during his senior season caused him to go undrafted in 2019. Thompson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent that year, spending his rookie season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in 2020. Over the next two seasons, he played in 18 games for the Chiefs, recording 12 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, while also becoming a key special teams contributor (15 tackles in kickoff coverage). After brief stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos in 2022-2023, Thompson returned to the Chiefs’ practice squad in October 2024—and his consistent performance in practice convinced coaches to elevate him to the active roster. “Cody is a player we know well—he’s a hard worker, he knows our system, and he’s proven he can contribute when called upon,” Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier said. “His experience here and his ability to make plays both as a receiver and on special teams made this an easy decision.”

To understand why Cody Thompson Added to Bolster Receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs is a critical move, it’s essential to examine the Chiefs’ current receiver depth needs. Entering Week 15, the Chiefs’ receiving corps has been hit hard by injuries: Hardman (ankle) is expected to miss 2-3 weeks, and Toney (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. This leaves Rice (89 catches, 1,012 yards) and Moore (45 catches, 521 yards) as the only healthy starters, with rookie Justyn Ross—who has played just 20 offensive snaps this season—as the only other receiver with NFL experience on the active roster. The Chiefs’ offense, which relies on Patrick Mahomes’ ability to spread the ball to multiple targets, needs reliable depth to avoid becoming predictable. Thompson fills this gap perfectly: he’s a polished route-runner who excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage, and his 6-foot-2 frame makes him a viable red-zone target (he caught 18 touchdown passes in college, many in contested situations). He’s also a willing blocker, which aligns with the Chiefs’ run-heavy packages (Isiah Pacheco has rushed for 892 yards this season). “We need guys who can step in and make plays without missing a beat—and Cody is that guy,” Bleymaier said. “He doesn’t need time to learn our system; he already knows where to be, when to be there, and how to help Patrick be successful.”

Cody Thompson Added to Bolster Receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs also breaks down the specific role Thompson is expected to play in the Chiefs’ offense. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has indicated that Thompson will serve as the “third receiver” in three-wide sets, rotating with Ross and seeing most of his snaps in 11-personnel (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 receivers)—the Chiefs’ most used package (62% of offensive snaps in 2024). Thompson will also be featured in the slot, where his quickness and route precision can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Beyond offense, Thompson will immediately contribute to special teams: he’s expected to take over Hardman’s role as a kickoff returner (Hardman averaged 24.1 yards per return this season) and will play a key role in punt coverage. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Thompson’s versatility is his greatest asset—he can contribute in multiple phases of the game, which is invaluable during the injury-plagued late season. “Cody isn’t just a receiver—he’s a team player who does whatever is needed to win,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “Whether it’s catching a third-down pass, blocking for Isiah, or making a tackle on special teams, he’s going to give us everything he has. That’s the kind of player you want in your locker room this time of year.”

Another key layer of Cody Thompson Added to Bolster Receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs is the timing of the move—coming just as the Chiefs enter a critical stretch of games against playoff-caliber opponents. Over the next four weeks, the Chiefs will face the Buffalo Bills (Week 15), Cincinnati Bengals (Week 16), Denver Broncos (Week 17), and Los Angeles Chargers (Week 18)—all teams with top-15 defenses that specialize in shutting down primary receivers. The Bills, for example, have cornerback Tre’Davious White, who has held opposing No. 1 receivers to just 42tch rate this season. With Rice likely drawing White’s coverage on Sunday, the Chiefs need Thompson to step up as a reliable second or third option for Mahomes. Thompson’s experience in big games—he played in two AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 2020-2021—will also help him handle the pressure of these high-stakes matchups. For the Kansas City Chiefs, adding Thompson now isn’t just about fixing a short-term injury gap—it’s about ensuring the offense has the depth to compete with the NFL’s best teams. “Playoff football is about having guys who’ve been there and can perform when the lights are brightest,” Mahomes said in a press conference this week. “Cody has that experience—he knows what it takes to win here, and I’m excited to have him back.”

The final dimension of Cody Thompson Added to Bolster Receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs is what this move says about the Chiefs’ approach to roster building—and their trust in familiar faces. The Chiefs have a long history of re-signing players who know their system, believing that continuity is key to success in the NFL. Thompson’s return to Kansas City is a perfect example of this philosophy: he understands Reid’s offensive scheme, has chemistry with Mahomes, and fits the team’s culture of hard work and selflessness. For Thompson, the move is a homecoming—and a chance to contribute to a contender again. “I never wanted to leave Kansas City,” Thompson said in his first press conference since being promoted. “This organization gave me my first shot in the NFL, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back. I know what this team is capable of, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help us win another Super Bowl.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, adding Thompson is more than just a roster move—it’s a reinforcement of their winning formula. As they prepare to face the Bills, Thompson’s presence will give Mahomes another reliable target, strengthen special teams, and provide the kind of depth that championship teams need. In a season where every play matters, Cody Thompson’s addition could be the difference between a division title and a disappointing early playoff exit.