The Kansas City Chiefs' offense was so milquetoast and ineffective this season that even the great Patrick Mahomes has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. With a combination of red zone issues and injuries, the Chiefs have been spinning their wheels for much of the season.
Brett Veach decided to fix that by trading for former Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, surrendering a fifth-round pick that could eventually turn into a fourth-round choice if certain conditions are met. Even in a comprimised state, Hopkins represents a serious upgrade for a thin, injured wide receiver room.
Hopkins will provide a boost by himself, but these three players will inadvertently benefit from his presence. This offense was missing a piece, and it seems very likely that Hopkins could be the answer that solves all of their problems if he even approximated what he was during his best days.
3 Kansas City Chiefs who benefit the most from DeAndre Hopkins trade
3. TE Travis Kelce
Kelce's sharp regression (245 yards receiving, no touchdowns) has many wondering if this could be his final season with the Chiefs. The Hopkins trade could be very revealing, as he will take some of the defensive attention off Kelce and show just how much the future Hall of Fame tight end has left in the tank.
Kelce won't be double-teamed as much with Hopkins in the mix, which will give Mahomes his favorite safety blanket back in full swing. The threat of what Hopkins could do to an opposing defense, even in his 30s, will lessen the burden placed on an aging Kelce. In turn, this will benefit the Chiefs.
2. WR Xavier Worthy
Injuries to Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster have changed Worthy's role from an intriguing speed demon who can stretch the field to a vital No. 1 receiver expected to beat some of the best cornerbacks in the league. The addition of Hopkins will change all of that for the better.
Worthy no longer has to be thrown into the NFL equivalent of a meat-grinder, all while trying to find his way in this league. Hopkins can take the No. 1 cornerbacks on, as he is still more than capable of beating press coverage and making plays down the field despite a lack of great speed. The Chiefs will finally be able to counterpunch on the offensive side.
1. QB Patrick Mahomes
While it may sound like excuse-making to bemoan the lack of help for a player who has reached the dizzying heights that Mahomes has, even the best in the business would have trouble producing in a Matt Nagy offense that features Justin Watson as one of the primary targets. Even a limited Hopkins would instantly become the best option for a quarterback who is slumping right now.
While Hopkins may not be a vertical threat, that's why the Chiefs drafted Worthy. Even without Rice for the remainder of the season, the contrast between the blazing Worthy and ultra-reliable Hopkins should give No. 15 all the tools he needs to get back on track and make a deep playoff push.