The most carefully crafted plans can often go off track, as we’ve seen with the Kansas City Chiefs this season. After facing challenges with their receiving corps in 2023, the team aimed to revitalize their offense reminiscent of the Tyreek Hill era.
General manager Brett Veach brought in Hollywood Brown through free agency and traded up to draft speedy Xavier Worthy in the first round.
The strategy appeared straightforward: Worthy would stretch defenses deep, Brown would operate in the intermediate zone, Rashee Rice would exploit defenses after the catch, and Travis Kelce would continue to be a dominant force. However, just a month into the season, that plan faced significant setbacks.
Brown suffered a shoulder injury during the preseason, leading to surgery that could sideline him for several months, with a possible return during the playoffs, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Despite this, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs started strong, remaining undefeated even with some struggles in the passing game.
Unfortunately, Week 2 brought more bad news as running back Isiah Pacheco landed on IR. On Sunday, things took another hit when Rice was carted off the field after a collision with Mahomes.
Reports suggest Rice may have torn his ACL, leaving the Chiefs without their most productive receiver. Remarkably, Rice still leads the team with 288 receiving yards, outpacing Kelce by a significant margin.
With both Rice and Brown out, Kansas City’s receiving group is left relying on Worthy, a rookie still finding his footing, alongside Justin Watson, a declining JuJu Smith-Schuster, former second-round pick Skyy Moore, and the returning Mecole Hardman. Although Kelce, at 34, remains a focal point, the overall receiving corps lacks depth and proven reliability.
While I’m not suggesting the season is doomed without Rice—especially with Mahomes at the helm—the Chiefs will need to bolster their offense to contend for a third consecutive Super Bowl title.
With the trade deadline approaching on November 5, let’s explore some potential additions, from big names to reliable veterans.
It’s important to note we won’t dive into the salary-cap details for each player. Kansas City currently has about $4.93 million in cap space, and general manager Veach could maneuver the finances to make a deal happen.
Reports have linked the Chiefs to DeAndre Hopkins during the offseason. Now that he’s healthy and starting to regain form with Tennessee, Kansas City could reignite their interest. Despite a slow start to the season, Hopkins has shown he can still be a game-changer, and adding him would provide Mahomes with a top target who excels at contested catches.
Another intriguing option could be Davante Adams. While trading a top weapon within the division might ruffle some feathers, Adams’ high salary in the coming years makes his future in Las Vegas uncertain. If he’s healthy, teaming him with Mahomes could greatly enhance Kansas City’s red-zone efficiency.
Amari Cooper could also be available, as the struggling Browns may consider moving on from him. Although he hasn’t started the season strong, he would offer a reliable boundary threat and could fit seamlessly into the Chiefs’ offense.
If not Cooper, Kansas City could explore acquiring a lesser-used player like Moore or potentially make a splash with Keenan Allen, who has torched the Chiefs in the past.
The Panthers’ DJ Moore has shown WR1 potential, while Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk could offer a steady presence in the passing game. Veteran Robert Woods, although not as explosive, could provide reliable depth and experience.
The Chiefs may even consider trading for a former player like Robinson, who has developed into a dependable target since leaving Kansas City.
As the Chiefs navigate this challenging stretch, making a strategic addition before the deadline could be crucial in their quest for another Lombardi Trophy.
