Where will KC Chiefs turn after losing out on Melvin Ingram?

Trade ideas

It’s quite possible that the free agency market is just not all that exciting at this point for general manager Brett Veach and we couldn’t blame him. We’ll get to what options there are on the open market in a second, but for now, it’s important to look at the trade block to see who might be available.

The NFL Draft has come and gone, which means trade talks are likely at a minimum until later this summer, but the Chiefs could begin to stalk some options knowing new prospects will push some other pieces free when it comes down to active roster cuts.

It should be noted, first and foremost, that Robert Quinn has been mentioned on the trade block before the draft yet he remains with the Chicago Bears. The Windy City imported a new regime who did not sign Quinn and might appreciate the draft picks that would come from dealing him instead of paying an aging asset who could bring back a solid return. This would cost the Chiefs a bigger piece at this point, given that Quinn was a Pro Bowler with 18.5 sacks a year ago, but he’s by far the biggest producer who could be available.

It might take some more time for some teams to start to lose in ’22, but further names could wiggle free like Charles Harris of the Detroit Lions after the team selected two defensive ends in the first two rounds. That could apply to a lesser degree to Carl Lawson, who is quite expensive.

One team to watch here is the Houston Texans, who will struggle to win any games at all in 2022. They signed several vets like Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and Rasheem Green.