NFL: Biggest Offseason Question For Each AFC West Team

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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 27: Tyreek Hill /

Kansas City Chiefs: Who will the team rely on at wide receiver?

An early June release of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, the Kansas City Chiefs now face in interesting circumstance of entering the 2017 season without a clear cut, established #1 receiver.

Maclin battled injuries/ineffectiveness in 2016 and totaled career-lows in receptions (44), receiving yards (536), and receiving touchdowns (2). Only two seasons removed from an 87-catch, eight touchdown campaign in 2015, Maclin’s released caught many by surprised.

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 18: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs waits on the sideline in the second quarter of their game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

So it appears the team will turn their focus to a committee approach at the position. Second-year receiver Tyreek Hill appears to be the first in line to lead the charge for the Chiefs at wide receiver. Hill is coming off a Pro Bowl, first team All-Pro rookie season in 2016 with 1,836 all purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns. But now the 5’10 receiver has to prove he can be the focal point of an offense. The combination of Albert Wilson, Chris Conley, and De’Anthony Thomas totaled 82 catches and two touchdowns last season. All three will likely have to amp up their production for the offense to be effective.

The Chiefs are not known for their passing prowess anyway, ranking 21st in the NFL at 244.6 passing yards per game. It does help that an All-Pro tight end is in tow in Travis Kelce but when it comes to the wide receiver spot, Kansas City will have a receiving corps that is largely unproven.

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