A comprehensive look at the Kansas City Chiefs options at the NFL trade deadline
By Grant Tuttle
Telvin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
With big and powerful running backs, the Chiefs don’t have great speed at the position. If the Atlanta Falcons decide they are selling, Coleman would be another scary option for the Chiefs offense. The one-two punch that Hunt and Coleman would provide would be unmatched throughout the NFL. Coleman is on the last year of his contract with a base salary of $791,628. If the Falcons decide that they don’t want to keep him after this season, the Chiefs should take a flyer as a rental.
Why the Chiefs should give him a look:
Coleman would provide a change in running style for the Chiefs. With running backs like Kareem Hunt, Spencer Ware and Damien Williams the Chiefs lack speed from the running back position. Coleman has a good burst and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
What it would cost:
Running backs, as a general rule, are not valued as highly as they once were. As the league turns further towards a passing dominant league, we will see an increase in running back journeymen. That being said, Coleman is very good at what he does and the Chiefs would likely have to offer at least a 3rd or 4th round pick to even have a shot at landing him. High price for high reward.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Atlanta Falcons
I know. Readers are going to yell at me for even considering wide receivers. Until the Chiefs make any serious moves on defense, I am going to be convinced that they are only interested in building the offense for this season. Mohamed Sanu is in an interesting situation in Atlanta.
Sanu is in year three of his five year deal with the Falcons. After this season, there is an “out” in the contract, meaning that he could be cut for less money against the cap than his salary would suggest. With the emergence of Calvin Ridley along with the Falcons struggles, Sanu is an interesting trade option at the deadline.
Why the Chiefs should give him a look:
Sanu would be incredibly fun to watch in this offense. Sanu is not necessarily a home run hitter, but he does have a knack for big plays. With great route running ability, Sanu would compliment Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill very well.
What it would cost:
Mohamed Sanu would have to be an “all-in” kind of move. If the Chiefs wanted to make a move like this they would likely have to offer a 3rd round pick. That may seem high for a player that will be the third receiver on the depth chart, but for the Chiefs, it means that they can go full “Air Raid” which I would love to see. Sanu adds another incredibly scary receiving threat to an already stacked offense. Of course, this is just a wish.