10 trade deadline targets who could help Chiefs build on their undefeated start

The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a hot start, coming out of the gates 4-0 as they head into the early bye week this weekend. The overhauled offense looks completely different, the defense is holding strong, and most importantly, they are closing out games. In 2024, the Chiefs were 12-0 in one-score games; in 2025, that record nosedived to 1-9. Now, in 2026, the Chiefs are 2-0 in one-score games and are averaging just shy of 30 points per game on offense.

It is early in the year, and as we all know, the NFL season brings plenty of twists and turns. But early in the season, Kansas City looks like the best team in football and is back to its winning ways. Still, the roster has issues that need to be addressed for a late-season playoff push.

Wide Receiver has become a major need, as the Chiefs came into the season with a somewhat lackluster group of pass catchers. But with Tyquan Thornton out for most (or perhaps all) of the season and Rashee Rice dealing with a hamstring injury, the need is higher than ever. Kansas City could also use some help at safety on the back end of their defense, and at tight end, where added depth could improve one of the best rushing attacks in the league.

With the deadline now only a month away, the question is: Who will the Chiefs target in early November as they push for yet another Super Bowl ring?

Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE

Chiefs fans are very familiar with Jerry Jeudy and what he can bring to the table after spending the early part of his career with the Broncos. A former top-15 pick, Jeudy has had an up-and-down road in the NFL, including one incredibly productive season with the Browns in 2024. Now, while the Browns have been hot to start the year, a couple of talented rookies have pushed Jeudy out of the WR room. His contract is convoluted, but essentially, the Chiefs would be on the hook for about $1.5 million if they added Jeudy at the deadline, plus a non-guaranteed $17 million in 2027.

Estimated trade value: 2027 fifth-round pick

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI

One of the most polarizing players in football, Marvin Harrison Jr. has been buzzing across the Chiefs community. Once seen as one of the best WR prospects in the last decade, being taken fourth overall in the 2024 draft, Marvin Harrison has simply not lived up to the hype. Fans have complained about a lack of effort and consistency, and a new home seems like the best way to give his career a breath of fresh air. Harrison isn't the typical Andy Reid receiver, making this less likely, but Kansas City hasn't shied away from change this season, so Harrison could be in the cards at the deadline.

Estimated trade value: 2027 third-round pick

Calvin Ridley, WR, TEN

Once a premier NFL pass catcher, Ridley's career went into a downward spiral after his electric 2020 season with Atlanta. He stepped away from the league for personal issues, then was suspended due to a gambling issue, and then dealt with a fibula/hamstring-related injury. At the end of the day, Ridley has played minimal snaps for the Titans this season, logging just three receptions. The Titans would likely be willing to part with Ridley cheaply, and the Chiefs could add a veteran presence to their WR room.

Estimated trade value: Late-round pick swap

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX

Another former first-round pick in the 2024 draft, Brian Thomas Jr. looked like one of the NFL's best rookies. He went over 1,200 yards and caught 10 touchdowns as a 21-year-old rookie. But with a new coach being brought in (Liam Coen), Thomas slowed down in year two, and again this year, he has seen a diminished role. The Chiefs love speedy receivers, and Thomas could be the perfect replacement for someone like Tyquan Thornton. The main concern will be the asking price, as the Chiefs may not be willing to offer the Day 2 pick Jacksonville wants.

Estimated trade value: 2027 second-round pick

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, HOU

A true journeyman, Clowney has championed one-year deals and bounced around the league. Since 2018, Clowney has played with seven different teams and changed teams eight times in total. A former No. 1 overall pick in 2014, Clowney's talent is undeniable, but simple inconsistencies have made it hard for him to find a home. Now with the Texans, Clowney will likely be on the move and, with an expiring contract, could be a low-cost pickup for Kansas City.

Estimated trade value: Late-round pick swap / seventh-round pick

Dylan Cook, OT, PIT

Heading into the 2026 season, Cook won the starting right tackle job for the Steelers after starting at left tackle in 2025. The Chiefs' tackle situation has been somewhat shaky, and the team is about one injury away from disaster. If Josh Simmons' back issue continues, a swing tackle like Cook could be in the cards.

Estimated trade value: Late-round pick swap / seventh-round pick

Walker Little, OT, JAX

Once seen as the nation's best high school football player and an elite NFL tackle prospect at Stanford, Little has struggled to find a consistent spot on the Jaguars' offensive line. Like Cook, Kansas City is thin at offensive tackle, and Little has experience at both left and right tackle. The Chiefs could act early to build long-term success at tackle.

Estimated trade value: 2027 fourth-round pick

Keisean Nixon, CB, GB

The Packers are off to a miserable start to the season and look like they could be sellers at the deadline, and one of my favorite targets for the Chiefs is Keisean Nixon. A versatile cornerback who can play inside and out, Nixon would add depth to the Chiefs' roster behind Mansoor Delane, Nohl Williams, and L'Jarius Sneed. Nixon also brings special teams value; he was one of the league's best punt and kick returners, but he lost that job to former Chief Skyy Moore. He is on an expiring deal, and if the Packers are willing to part with him for cheap, Nixon could be a quality pickup.

Estimated trade value: 2027 sixth-round pick

Andrew Wingard, S, ARI

Safety is a weakness for the Chiefs that not many are talking about. Newest addition Alohi Gilman has struggled somewhat in coverage, and the depth behind him is far from ideal. Kansas City could add a veteran who brings a fresh set of eyes to the DB room and provides depth/special teams value. Wingard is exactly that, and after one of his best years in 2025, he could be a quality addition. Wingard is on a one-year, $3 million deal with the Cardinals, so they may be willing to move him for a low price.

Estimated trade value: 2027 sixth-round pick

Dante Trader Jr., S, MIA

The Chiefs could look to get ahead of their free-agent need at safety by adding a younger player who still has years left on his rookie deal. Trader is a great example, as he has shown value in the Dolphins' secondary over the first two years of his career. Adding draft picks will be a top priority for the Dolphins, and Jeff Hafley will want to make the defense his own. If Miami is willing to move on from Trader, he could be a great third safety on the Chiefs' depth chart for 2026 and beyond.

Estimated trade value: 2027 sixth-round pick

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow