A comprehensive look at the Kansas City Chiefs options at the NFL trade deadline
By Grant Tuttle
Brent Grimes, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After the hot start, the Bucs appear to be falling apart at the seams. It seems likely that this season ends in a rebuild and a top 5 pick in the NFL Draft. If I am Brett Veach and want to create good depth at the cornerback position, I consider bringing in Brent Grimes. Even though Grimes is an old man in cornerback years, he would provide excellent veteran leadership and depth.
Why the Chiefs should give him a look:
Grimes can still produce well in zone and decently well in man. He looks worse than he is on the back end of the worst secondary in football. (Yes, including the Chiefs.) Grimes would be a great depth guy to bring in just in case of injury.
What it would cost:
This very well could be Grimes last year in the NFL. If the Chiefs brought him in, it would likely be for a late round pick. I would offer no higher than a 6th round pick and/or a project player. I personally would love to see Grimes come in as depth for K.C.
Gareon Conley, CB, Oakland Raiders
While I know that it is uncommon to see trades within the division, it is also uncommon to trade away one of the best defensive players in football. Gareon Conley provides an interesting storyline as a former first round pick and could benefit from a fresh start.
Why the Chiefs should give him a look:
Conley showed incredible potential coming out of college. In fact, he was the top corner on my draft board. After injury and instability, he finds himself on a Jon Gruden led football team. Unfortunately, he has never had good coaching or support. Conley has shown very good man coverage skills and could benefit the Chiefs with some time in the system.
What it would cost:
Conley has been demoted on a terrible Raiders team. If the Raiders get a good offer, they will not refuse. The Chiefs would be wise to offer a 5th round pick and the oldest player they can find for Conley. Perhaps a fresh start in K.C. could rejuvenate a once promising career.
Morris Claiborne, CB, New York Jets
Morris Claiborne is an interesting player. Given the Jets struggles and his one year deal, there is always a chance that they try to get something in return for his services. Again if the Chiefs would like to add another solid cornerback to the mix, Claiborne would not be a bad option. He has had a decent year up to this point with the Jets.
Why the Chiefs should give him a look:
Claiborne, while talented, is inconsistent. He can look like a great coverage guy and he can look very mediocre. However, the Chiefs would love for mediocrity to be the name of their defense. Claiborne would be a good situational player for them.
What it would cost:
While I don’t think Claiborne would demand the return that Patrick Peterson would, I don’t believe he would come cheap. If the Chiefs were serious about this acquisition, they would likely have to start with a 3rd round pick. He is not an incredible talent, but a starter in the NFL is nothing to look past, either.