The Kansas City Chiefs are getting healthier as the midway point of the season approaches. A season that began with uncertainty and pundits loudly questioning whether the dynasty was over has suddenly seen the Chiefs return to form.
While they have performed well in recent weeks—and Rashee Rice has added an element to the passing game they clearly missed—there is always room for improvement.
If Kansas City wants to return to championship form ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, this roster still has areas that could benefit from reinforcement.
Safety
A strong defense needs to be solid in the middle—at all three levels. This emphasizes the value of the linebackers, safeties, and interior defensive line in Kansas City’s scheme. On the back end, Bryan Cook has had a solid season, but the Chiefs could use an upgrade over Chamarri Conner in coverage situations.
With the Chiefs playing the majority of their snaps in sub-packages, we’ve seen Trent McDuffie used in the slot more frequently. However, adding a safety with legitimate coverage ability would give the defense greater flexibility and allow them to keep Conner closer to the line of scrimmage, where he is most effective.
Running Back
This position has been a talking point all season. Even with the offense performing well overall, the Chiefs have struggled to consistently run the football at the level they’d prefer. That speaks to the greatness of Patrick Mahomes and how efficient he has been. Still, to maintain offensive balance — especially late in the season — Kansas City must run the ball more effectively.
This need has become more urgent with Isiah Pacheco injured with an MCL sprain after Monday’s game. Considering positional value, any acquisition would likely be a short-term rental to supplement what the Chiefs already have in Rashee Rice, Pacheco, and Kareem Hunt. Brett Veach has shown an ability to draft and develop talent, but for a team planning to play meaningful football deep into December and January, a short-term boost at running back might now be necessary.
Defensive Line
The defensive line has not performed at the level the Chiefs would like as a unit. Derrick Nnadi has been largely ineffective since returning to Kansas City, and while there is depth on the edge with George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, and Mike Danna, the interior group needs help.
Even with Mike Pennel returning, Kansas City could benefit from additional depth and interior pass-rush ability. The season-ending knee injury to Omar Norman-Lott was a significant loss for this group, as he provided valuable rotational snaps. Affecting the quarterback from the inside is critical to defensive success, and the Chiefs should strongly consider adding help along the interior defensive line before the deadline.