In a stunning move during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Xavier Worthy, the wide receiver out of Texas, with the 28th overall pick. Worthy, known for his blistering speed, set a record at the combine with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash—the fastest ever. His draft rights were acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills, the very team that has struggled against the Chiefs in postseason play.
The deal was unexpected, especially considering the ongoing rivalry between the two teams. The Chiefs have ousted the Bills from the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. Initially, it seemed plausible that Buffalo traded up to bolster their offensive line. However, it turned out that they enabled the Chiefs to snag Worthy, a player many analysts had predicted would go to the Bills.
This decision by the Bills is puzzling. After losing receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Buffalo now faces a depleted receiving corps. Last season, the team had five wide receivers with at least 20 targets, and four of those are no longer with the squad.
The trade raises questions about the Bills’ strategic thinking. By allowing the Chiefs to draft Worthy, they’ve not only strengthened a key rival but also failed to address their own pressing needs at receiver. This move seems especially short-sighted given that Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs will now have an additional potent weapon at his disposal.
For Buffalo, the stakes this season are incredibly high. With Josh Allen’s salary cap hit set to surge from $30 million in 2024 to $61 million in 2025, the financial flexibility Buffalo has enjoyed is coming to an end. This draft could have been a pivotal moment to strengthen their lineup for a Super Bowl push.
