NFL trade deadline ideas for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
The Chiefs are most likely to stand still at the NFL trade deadline, but if they were interested in potential moves, here are some options.
We need to be very clear up front: The Kansas City Chiefs are most likely going to stand pat at the NFL’s trade deadline. While it’s exciting to think that general manager Brett Veach might swing a deal for some help at various areas, it’s far more likely to see other teams importing new players at this point.
The Chiefs are in great position as they enter the season’s second half, which is the reason why they will likely sit and watch everyone else.
First, the team has learned they draft very, very well with their current front office configuration, which means giving up future draft assets only inhibits them from bringing in young cost-controlled talent in years to come.
Second, the Chiefs already have plenty of payroll on the roster which likely keeps them from even seriously considering any sort of move for a player with a major cost associated—such as Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots.
Third, it’s important to note the Chiefs will get several players back in the second half of the season from injury to help shore up areas that could be considered current problems. Mitchell Schwartz‘s eventual return from a back injury will help the offensive line reset to their best starting five. L’Jarius Sneed‘s return will only make the secondary that much stronger. Sammy Watkins has been missing from an already potent offense for weeks. And that’s not including Khalen Saunders, Alex Okafor, Martinas Rankin and more—all players who will strengthen the trenches down the stretch.
Finally, we have to acknowledge that the Chiefs have no real weaknesses. Even when the Chiefs aren’t playing their best, they walk away with lopsided wins over most teams. The stars have to be aligned for them to lose a game—a la the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5—and they look very ready to run it back. How much more help do they really need?
If the answer to that final question has Brett Veach thinking about a deal, then it will likely be a smaller deal with little financial hit to help shore up depth more than anything. With that in mind, here are a few trade ideas to at least consider within a realistic set of parameters.