Steve Smith Sr. sees Cyrus Allen filling Chiefs’ WR1 need

Steve Smith Sr. believes the Kansas City Chiefs may have found their future WR1 in an unexpected place. The Chiefs selected Cyrus Allen in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his late draft status, Allen has drawn attention during training camp. Smith sees a specific skill set that could complement Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City’s existing receivers. “Cyrus Allen is going to be, eventually, in my humble opinion, their number one wide receiver,” Smith said on 89 with Steve Smith Sr. MORE: Projecting the Week 1 starter at QB for every NFL team The former NFL star explained why Allen stands apart from Kansas City’s other options. He believes the rookie can occupy an important area of the Chiefs’ passing attack. “Here’s why,” Smith said. “Their quarterback has been wanting a guy like Cyrus Allen, who has the ability to run in the intermediate.” Smith then pointed toward the team’s current receiving structure. “Xavier Worthy is right here, Rashee Rice is right here, and they got somebody in the middle that they need,” Smith said. “And that’s Cyrus Allen.” Allen’s 5-foot-11 frame does not suggest a traditional outside receiver profile. However, his route-running ability and production at Cincinnati provide reasons for the excitement. He caught 51 passes for 674 yards and 13 touchdowns during his final college season. That production helped him earn second-team All-Big 12 recognition. Cyrus Allen could give Patrick Mahomes another middle-field weapon St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Cyrus Allen (13) runs the ball during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The Chiefs have needed more consistency from their receiver group around Mahomes. Worthy brings explosive speed, while Rice offers a different physical presence when healthy. Allen could complement both players if he develops into the intermediate target Smith envisions. That would give Mahomes another option between the numbers while preventing defenses from focusing on the perimeter. The rookie’s path still requires patience. Becoming a reliable WR1 involves handling NFL coverage, earning consistent targets, and maintaining production against better defensive backs. MORE: Chiefs’ Rashee Rice reveals how jail sentence changed his mindset ahead of 2026 season Allen’s training camp momentum provides an encouraging starting point, but preseason action will offer a better measure of his readiness. So, from a roster perspective, Smith’s prediction remains aggressive for a fifth-round rookie. Yet the Chiefs do not need Allen to become WR1 immediately. If Allen develops into a dependable intermediate threat, Kansas City could eventually build a more balanced receiving hierarchy around Mahomes. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —