Who might the Chiefs target if they make one more move? Let’s look at some options for the positions they’re rumored to be targeting.
As the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, they aim to remain the NFL’s only unbeaten team. A victory not only strengthens their playoff bye lead in the AFC but also brings them closer to completing an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat. While the players focus on the field, GM Brett Veach could be eyeing a final trade before Tuesday’s deadline to bolster the team’s Super Bowl ambitions.
Chiefs' Current Status
The Chiefs have already made notable moves, acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Titans and pass rusher Joshua Uche from the Patriots. Yet rumors swirl that Kansas City may have another trade in mind, targeting either the cornerback or wide receiver positions. With JuJu Smith-Schuster and Rashee Rice sidelined, and Marquise Brown out for the season, the Chiefs could still benefit from another weapon. Additionally, injuries in the secondary leave the team thin at cornerback, especially after the offseason trade of L'Jarius Sneed and the recent injury to Jaylen Watson.
Despite limited cap space, the Chiefs could creatively work a deal to secure one more asset. Let’s explore some possible last-minute trade targets.
Possible Chiefs Trade Targets at Cornerback
Marshon Lattimore - New Orleans Saints
If the Chiefs want to make a splash, Marshon Lattimore would be a game-changing addition. Lattimore, among the NFL’s elite cornerbacks, would elevate an already strong defense. Although the Saints’ cap issues make him available, Lattimore’s contract presents challenges for Kansas City, who’d need to manage his high salary over the next two seasons.
While Lattimore missed his last game due to a hamstring injury, his addition would immediately strengthen the Chiefs’ secondary, making them even tougher for opponents to face in the playoffs. However, Kansas City would need to weigh the financial impact of retaining homegrown talent like Trey Smith and Nick Bolton in the future.
Ronald Darby - Jacksonville Jaguars
For a budget-friendly cornerback, Ronald Darby could be a solid option. At 30, Darby is on a reasonable 2-year deal with Jacksonville but hasn’t performed up to expectations. Given his experience in man coverage and tackling skills (with a notable 78.0 run defense grade), Darby could provide valuable depth for the Chiefs’ secondary.
The Chiefs previously showed interest in Darby back in 2019, and with the Jaguars building around younger cornerbacks, Darby may be available for a low price. He’d offer KC flexibility in their defense while keeping their cap space intact.
Possible Chiefs Trade Targets at Wide Receiver
Demarcus Robinson - Los Angeles Rams
Although the Chiefs just added Hopkins, Demarcus Robinson offers familiarity with the offense. A larger receiver, Robinson could fill in as a rotation player, easing the load on Hopkins. With the Rams stacked at wide receiver, they might let Robinson go for a late-round pick, giving KC a reliable and inexpensive option to support the offense in clutch situations.
K.J. Osborn - New England Patriots
K.J. Osborn hasn’t been utilized much in New England, making him a low-cost trade target. Osborn’s value lies in his blocking, ranking ninth among wide receivers for run-blocking grades. He’d be an asset on the outside during running plays, helping the Chiefs protect key players like Hopkins. Osborn’s past performance with the Vikings further demonstrates his potential as a dependable secondary receiver.
Conclusion
As the trade deadline nears, the Chiefs have options to consider that could solidify their Super Bowl aspirations. Marshon Lattimore and Ronald Darby represent two levels of investment at cornerback, while Demarcus Robinson and K.J. Osborn provide affordable depth at wide receiver.
Chiefs fans, who would you like to see join the roster? Is a blockbuster move like Lattimore worth the future cap hit, or would a lower-profile addition like Osborn make more sense? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
