How the Chiefs are (subtly) winning the arms race at the NFL's trade deadline

The "In Veach We Trust" anthem chanted by Kansas City Chiefs fans every offseason is always fun during the draft, but I feel there is something left to be desired in the free agency and trade departments. Obviously, the team is handcuffed to a very limited salary cap. It's hard to pay the best quarterback, best tight end, best defensive tackle, and the handful of All-Pros that fill out the core, so I don't expect Veach to be reckless with the future cap health of the Chiefs.

The opportunity to trade picks presents a different opportunity in this particular era. The entire Chiefs organization is standing face-to-face with history. There are many factors that point in the correct direction for the Chiefs this year even with the ridiculous injury count.

We have seen Patrick Mahomes since Tyreek Hill's departure win two Super Bowls, an MVP, and six games so far in 2024, so the DeAndre Hopkins trade really is not necessary. Brett Veach knows that, but he also knew what we weren't looking at.

Last week, Davante Adams and Amari Cooper found new homes on either side of the same state. Davante Adams went from the 2-5 Raiders to the... 2-5 Jets, with some acting like it was a massive deal. However, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers halted any celebratory festivities on Sunday night. New York GM Joe Douglas sent a third-round pick to Las Vegas for the receiver who had 1,144 yards in 2023. His injuries have hindered a decent start, but we will see what the reunion with Aaron Rodgers will do (probably nothing).

Amari Cooper caught a touchdown in his debut with Josh Allen rescuing him from the hell we know as Cleveland Browns quarterbacking. The Bills have been solid behind the ever-dominant Allen, but he's been reeling a bit since the departure of Stefon Diggs, hence the Cooper move. Cleveland, teetering on the shoulders of Jameis Winston now, received a third-rounder for their top target from last year. Cooper had a highly productive 1,250 receiving yards in the revolving door of signal callers that won Kevin Stefanski a Coach of the Year nod.

The Chiefs sent a fifth rounder that becomes a fourth rounder if the Chiefs' season ends where it has each of the previous two years. DeAndre Hopkins gained a decent 1,057 yards through the air in 2023.

If I were to rank the moves, I would place the Hopkins deal in between the Cooper and Adams deals. You cannot measure a wideout's impact by the team's success, but when the stats are that close, that's the only unit of measurement that makes sense. In a wide receiver selling spree, the Chiefs paid the least for basically the same amount of production. The qualifier of a Super Bowl appearance feels like another kick to the groin of the league. Brett Veach sweetened a deal by hanging his team's success in the balance. Gangster.

Over the last few years, I have found myself in the same shoes as many Chiefs fans, whining for an expensive, over-the-hill receiver. Kansas City now rejoices for an expensive, (likely) over-the-hill receiver. It is a strange time for teams coming for the reigning champs' necks, but even then, you could not outdeal the best.