5 Best Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receivers Of All-Time

The Kansas City Chiefs are fresh off of yet another Super Bowl victory. Behind the leadership of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, they were able to knock off the San Francisco 49ers for the win.

Looking back at the history of the Chiefs, plenty of all-time greats have played for the storied franchise. While they have a couple of legends and future Hall of Famers on the roster currently, we would be remiss to not look back and do some research on all-time lists for Kansas City.

With that in mind, let’s dive in and take a look at the top five all-time wide receivers to play for the Chiefs.

5. Carlos Carson, 1980-1989

Carlos Carson emerged as the quintessential receiver for the Chiefs throughout the 1980s. Despite being selected in the fifth round of the 1980 draft, he took some time to solidify his position as a starting player. However, once he secured his spot, there was no turning back.

In 1983, Carson’s career took a remarkable turn as he surged to an impressive 1,351 receiving yards, a stark contrast to his previous best of 494 yards. This remarkable performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, a feat he repeated in 1987.

Throughout his tenure in Kansas City, Carson achieved three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, placing him seventh in franchise history for receiving yards. Additionally, he ranks fifth in the franchise for receiving touchdowns.

Despite his significant contributions, Carson’s departure from the Chiefs in the middle of the 1989 season was disappointing, especially considering the team’s limited playoff appearances during his time with them. Interestingly, following his exit, Kansas City experienced a period of consistent postseason appearances from 1990 to 1995.

4. Stephone Paige, 1983-1992

Adding to the roster of notable wide receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1980s is Stephone Paige, who stands out among his peers Henry Marshall and Carlos Carson due to his impact in 1990.

Initially undrafted before the 1983 season, Paige defied the odds to secure a spot on the team. His talent became evident in 1985 when he emerged as a significant touchdown threat, recording 10 touchdowns that season, followed by 11 the next year. With Carlos Carson’s departure in 1989, Paige assumed the role of the Chiefs’ primary wide receiver.

In the 1990 season, Paige showcased his skills, amassing 1,021 receiving yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs posted an impressive 11-5 record, securing a spot in the playoffs.

During a closely contested Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins, Paige delivered a standout performance, tallying 142 receiving yards and a touchdown. However, his momentum was hampered by a knee injury in 1991, which significantly impacted his performance thereafter.

Despite the setback, Paige’s contributions to the Chiefs’ offense were substantial enough to earn him the distinction of having the eighth-highest receiving yards in franchise history.

3. Dwayne Bowe, 2007-2014

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has become a beloved figure, embodying the essence of the forgotten stars from the early 2010s era of both the NFL and fantasy football. His legacy remains intact, deserving recognition for his contributions to the game.

Bowe’s prowess on the field was undeniable. He achieved the milestone of surpassing 1,000 receiving yards three times throughout his career, with an additional two seasons where he amassed over 800 yards, including an impressive rookie year. Notably, he solidified his reputation as a touchdown maestro, leading the league with an impressive 15 touchdowns in 2010, a standout year for the Chiefs as they unexpectedly clinched the AFC West title.

One of the defining moments of Bowe’s career came in the Chiefs’ closely contested loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the 2013 Wild Card round. Displaying his exceptional talent, Bowe racked up an impressive 150 receiving yards and contributed a touchdown to the team’s efforts. His performance in that game cemented his place in Kansas City Chiefs history, as he stands among the franchise’s top performers, boasting the fourth-highest receiving yards total of any Chief.

Dwayne Bowe’s impact transcends statistics; he embodies an era of football that holds a special place in the hearts of fans. As a nostalgic favorite, his legacy remains untarnished, ensuring that his name will forever be synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs and the golden age of early 2010s football.

2. Otis Taylor, 1965-1975

While Otis Taylor’s altercation with Ben Davidson in 1970 may be etched in memory, his legacy extends far beyond that singular event. Taylor emerges as an elite receiver deserving of greater recognition within the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As the primary target for the Super Bowl IV-winning team, Taylor showcased his prowess on the field. His contributions were pivotal in securing two AFL Championships, accompanied by the accolade of the 1969 AFL Championship MVP. Garnering two First-team All-Pro honors and consistently surpassing 1,100 receiving yards in seasons limited to just 14 games underscore his exceptional abilities.

Notably, Taylor’s career statistics boast 7,306 receiving yards, ranking him third in franchise history and marking him as the most prolific receiver in Kansas City’s annals.

1. Tyreek Hill, 2016-2021

In the annals of Kansas City Chiefs history, one name stands out among the rest, defining a new standard of excellence in the realm of wide receivers: Tyreek Hill. Despite his relatively brief tenure as a starting WR in Kansas City, spanning just five seasons, Hill’s impact reverberates through the franchise’s records and achievements. Here’s why Tyreek Hill is undeniably the greatest Chiefs wide receiver of all time.

Hill boasts an impressive array of accolades, including three First-team All-Pro selections (one as a returner) and one Second-team All-Pro nod. Additionally, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times, a testament to his consistent dominance on the field.

A pivotal member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV-winning team, Hill played a crucial role in securing the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy in 50 years. His electrifying performances under the brightest spotlight further solidify his legacy as a true champion.

Hill’s impact transcends mere statistics, as evidenced by his inclusion in the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. This prestigious recognition cements his status as one of the most dominant players of his era, not just within the Chiefs organization but across the entire league.

Hill’s tenure in Kansas City is punctuated by a series of record-breaking feats. He holds the records for most receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a Chief in a single season, showcasing his unparalleled ability to find the end zone and move the chains with ease.

Beyond individual records, Hill’s impact on the Chiefs’ franchise extends to the history books. He boasts the highest yards per game average in Chiefs history, a testament to his ability to consistently deliver game-changing performances.

While some may attribute Hill’s success to his partnership with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, it’s essential to recognize that numerous receivers have played alongside Mahomes without reaching Hill’s level of excellence. Hill’s chemistry with Mahomes undoubtedly elevated his game, but his innate talent and work ethic are the true driving forces behind his success.

In conclusion, Tyreek Hill’s transcendent talent, coupled with his remarkable achievements and impact on the Kansas City Chiefs franchise, solidifies his place as the greatest wide receiver in team history. Despite his relatively brief tenure, Hill’s legacy will endure as a shining example of excellence for generations of Chiefs fans to come.