The Chiefs have been under pressure to make a big trade at the deadline, but is it better to go bargain shopping instead? Here’s our guide.
The Kansas City Chiefs haven’t made a selection in the first round of the NFL draft since 2017, sacrificing the previous draft capital in trades. They’re also anticipating signing Patrick Mahomes to what will likely be the biggest contract in NFL history. This is all while having substainal amounts of their salary cap tied up in players like Tyreek Hill, Mitchell Schwartz, Frank Clark, Tyrann Mathieu, and Anthony Hitchens. Plus, it seems Kansas City wants to pay Chris Jones soon as well.
While fans have pleaded and petitioned for big names like Jalen Ramsey and Patrick Peterson, those all come with big contracts. Brett Veach has proven to be aggressive in acquiring players through trade, but the right move may be picking up some players from the bargain bin to fill the needs.
Here are five “bargain bin” players for Kansas City to target at the deadline.
JOSH JACKSON, Cornerback
The first name on the list is probably the longest shot, but it’s also a chance for Brett Veach to redeem himself for an underwhelming 2018 draft. Josh Jackson, the talented cornerback who played at Iowa, has struggled to consistently find a place in the Green Bay Packers lineup.
Coincidentally, the Chiefs have a player they could part with that may entice the Packers to trade the sophomore corner. Sammy Watkins, once healthy, could offer some depth to a depleted receiving corps and draw some attention from Davante Adams. The Chiefs may also toss in a conditional day 3 pick to help sweeten the deal.
Jackson would fit right in with Kansas City and see plenty of action. He is a bigger corner with plus ball skills that thrived in zone coverage, exactly what Steve Spagnuolo (and the Kansas City faithful) have been longing for.