A comprehensive look at the Kansas City Chiefs options at the NFL trade deadline
By Grant Tuttle
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
It sounds crazy, but the Chiefs could keep adding to an already powerful offense to make it even more lethal. I understand that the offense has very few weaknesses, but it could always use depth and more explosiveness, because why not?
It seems highly unlikely that the Cardinals would want to move on from Fitzgerald, but it’s doable. Similar to what the Chiefs ended up doing with Tony Gonzalez, the Cardinals may do with Fitzgerald. The Cardinals are likely not going to the playoffs this season and it may be his last season in the league. If Fitzgerald wants one more shot at a Super Bowl, the Chiefs might just be the team.
Why the Chiefs should give him a look:
Fitzgerald did not get the nickname “Larry Legend” by mistake. The guy is an NFL icon. While he is no longer as dominant as he once was, he still has an incredible catch radius. Basically, if the Chiefs wanted to give Patrick Mahomes another safety blanket, Fitzgerald would make a great option. Honestly, I would just love to see Fitgerald get one more shot at a ring.
What it would cost:
Fitzgerald is not necessarily cheap. However, he is a rental. If he agrees to restructure his contract to make it more incentivized or just more inexpensive, any team should be open to trading for a future hall of famer entering the playoffs. Currently he is making $11 million base salary.
Fitz will likely retire after the season after his one year deal expires, which would drive the asking price down. Additionally, he has not posted great numbers in the early part of this season with 17 receptions for 176 yards.
If the Chiefs wanted to make an offer, they should not trade anything more than 4th round pick and/or a prospect player. Again, there is little to no possibility of this happening and Fitzgerald has stated before that he has no interest in playing anywhere else. That being said, I think that a person can dream.
Rhett Ellison, TE, New York Giants
This seems like one of the more likely kind of moves—not this one in particular, but trading for players that bring a specific skill to the team. For Rhett Ellison, the skill would be to be a blocking tight end. Both Travis Kelce and Demetrius Harris are decent blockers, but are definitely more skilled in the passing game. Ellison would be the best blocking tight end for the Chiefs by far. His ability to block is very good, which is demonstrated by his lack of production in the receiving game, but sustained career. At 30, Ellison would be an interesting piece for a powerful offense.
Why the Chiefs should give him a look:
The Chiefs do lack a great blocking tight end. While the NFL evolves, these kind of players have been tossed to the wayside. If the Chiefs wanted to add another blocker, Ellison would be a good get.
What it would cost:
Ellison is not flashy, but he is consistent. This is not a move that people would be lining up and asking for, but it would ultimately help the productivity of the offense. That being said, the Chiefs should not be willing to move mountains to find him a spot. Veach should offer no more than a 6th round pick and/or a project player.