Underrated Receiver Deon Cain Shines Elsewhere, Proving He Could Have Starred with Patrick Mahomes

Underrated Receiver Deon Cain Shines Elsewhere, Proving He Could Have Starred with Patrick Mahomes

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where every decision can make or break a team’s future, players often slip through the cracks, only to shine brightly elsewhere. One such player is wide receiver Deon Cain, a once-overlooked talent who now finds himself proving what many thought was possible all along: he could have been a key piece of the Kansas City Chiefs’ explosive offense alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Cain’s journey has been far from conventional. After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Cain initially made a name for himself in training camps and preseason games but struggled to secure a consistent role on a roster. His time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and a brief stint with the Chiefs showed glimpses of his talent but didn’t provide the sustained opportunity to thrive. Despite his potential, Cain was often overshadowed by more established names.

However, in recent seasons, Cain has found success with the Indianapolis Colts, where he has begun to carve out a meaningful role in their offense. His performances have not gone unnoticed, as he’s now showing exactly what he’s capable of — something that begs the question: could he have flourished with the Kansas City Chiefs, catching passes from Patrick Mahomes?

The Potential that Was Overlooked

Deon Cain’s physical attributes have always been hard to ignore. Standing at 6’2″ and possessing explosive speed, Cain has the ideal size and athleticism to excel in a vertical offense. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches downfield aligns perfectly with the strengths of many successful NFL quarterbacks, especially one like Patrick Mahomes, who thrives on deep balls, improvisation, and big-play opportunities.

Cain’s time with the Chiefs was brief, and it’s easy to see why he didn’t initially make the cut. The team already had a dynamic receiving corps with established stars like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, along with budding talents like Mecole Hardman. The Chiefs were looking to fine-tune their roster for a Super Bowl run, and Cain, while talented, simply didn’t fit into their plans at the time.

Despite this, Cain’s future performances with the Colts suggest that he could have played a valuable role in Kansas City’s offense. His ability to create separation, track deep passes, and make tough catches in crucial moments could have made him a key complementary piece for Mahomes — one who could have taken advantage of Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and launch passes deep down the field.

Cain’s Breakout with the Colts

After bouncing between several teams, Cain eventually landed with the Indianapolis Colts, where his development as a reliable wide receiver began to take shape. With Indianapolis, Cain has become a consistent playmaker, proving that his skill set could have been put to great use with a quarterback like Mahomes.

Cain’s breakout moments with the Colts have showcased his deep-threat abilities. Whether it’s running vertical routes, making contested catches, or simply using his speed to outrun defenders, Cain has shown that he can be a difference-maker. In a recent game, Cain was instrumental in a late-game drive, catching several key passes, including a deep ball that set up the game-winning touchdown. This type of production is exactly what the Chiefs need to complement Mahomes’ incredible arm talent.

Had Cain been a part of the Chiefs’ offense, it’s easy to imagine how his presence could have stretched defenses, opening up space for Mahomes’ other weapons, like Kelce, Hardman, and others. Cain’s ability to pull defenders deep could have allowed for quicker underneath routes to develop, giving Mahomes even more options to exploit opposing defenses. A receiver like Cain, who can take the top off of defenses with his speed, is the perfect fit for an offense that thrives on big plays and high-octane action.

Missed Opportunities in Kansas City

While Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ front office have no doubt built a championship-winning team, Cain’s overlooked potential serves as a reminder that even the best teams can sometimes miss out on talent. The Chiefs, in their pursuit of Super Bowl contention, opted for a more refined roster with players who had proven themselves at the highest levels. But Cain’s ceiling was clear from the start — his unique skill set and raw potential may have been enough to earn him a more permanent spot on the roster, had he been given more time to develop.

Had Cain been afforded the opportunity to work with Mahomes in Kansas City’s offense, it’s plausible that he could have turned into a dynamic deep threat who complemented the Chiefs’ core weapons. The team has had success with similar players in the past, such as Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman, who brought different skill sets but provided Mahomes with an additional weapon on the outside.

However, football is a game of timing, and Cain simply did not hit the right note in Kansas City when the team was focused on making a Super Bowl push. But his rise in Indianapolis speaks to the fact that the Chiefs may have missed a valuable asset.

The NFL’s Unpredictable Nature

Cain’s journey is a perfect example of the unpredictable nature of the NFL. Players who fly under the radar often go on to develop into key contributors elsewhere, and Cain’s success with the Colts proves that his talent was always present. His story is a reminder that, in the NFL, opportunities can change at any moment. Sometimes a player’s true potential takes time to emerge, and when it does, it can lead to a breakout that reshapes the trajectory of their career.

For the Chiefs, Cain’s success elsewhere isn’t a cause for regret, but rather a lesson in the depth of talent in the NFL. Teams like the Chiefs, who are constantly in championship contention, are forced to make difficult decisions and trim their rosters. But for Cain, his development with the Colts proves that even after being overlooked, he still has the ability to make a meaningful impact in the league.

Conclusion

Deon Cain’s rise to prominence with the Indianapolis Colts serves as both a testament to his resilience and a reminder of what might have been with the Kansas City Chiefs. As he continues to prove his worth as a deep threat and reliable receiver, it’s clear that Cain had the potential to make a significant impact in Mahomes’ high-flying offense. While the Chiefs’ decision to move on from him is understandable in hindsight, Cain’s success elsewhere shows just how much talent exists in the NFL, sometimes waiting for the right moment to shine.

Had he been given more of a chance in Kansas City, Cain could have been a key piece in one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history. Instead, he is now making a name for himself with the Colts, showing that even when overlooked, talent often finds its way to the forefront.