In their title defense season, the Kansas City Chiefs are off to a hot start sitting at 6-1. The Chiefs only loss came to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. However, outside of that one day, the Chiefs have been dominant and aren’t in any dire need to make a move here at the trade deadline.
However, the Chiefs are clearly buyers at this point. Offensively, the only spot that could potentially use an upgrade is the offensive line. But otherwise, the Chiefs shouldn’t lay a finger on their offense. However, the defense has seen struggles this year, primarily at the linebacker position. Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson haven’t been up to par, and rookie Willie Gay has shown promise but still needs to develop. Nonetheless, here are three potential trade options for the Chiefs as we approach the Tuesday trade deadline.
Trade #1: 2021 sixth-round pick to the Detroit Lions for Jarrad Davis
This trade would be a win-win for both of these squads. The Chiefs could use some help at the linebacker position, and Davis has been a great football player in his short career. In 2018, Davis led the Lions defense in tackles with 100, had 10 tackles for loss, and six sacks. This kind of production is much needed in the Chief’s linebacker room as Hitchens is currently leading the Chiefs with just 47 total tackles. Wilson also has a pair of tackles for loss. Still, Davis would potentially bring the full package, be an upgrade over Wilson, and form a solid trio between Hitchens, himself, and Gay.
For the Lions, this trade has been in the makings since the early offseason when the Lions brought in free agent Jamie Collins. Collins and Christian Jones have received the majority of play this season for the Lions. In contrast, Davis has only suited up for 35% of the season so far. This trade would remove the decision to extend Davis, as his contract expires this year, and would give the Chiefs an upgrade at a position of need. Also it would even give Davis a real shot at grabbing a Super Bowl ring.
Trade #2: 2021 third-round pick to the New England Patriots for Joe Thuney
The need for veteran leadership on the Chief’s interior offensive line is much needed. Guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif announced that he was opting out this season. Meanwhile, free-agent signing Kelechi Osemele injured both of his knees, knocking him out for the rest of the season. What better guard is on the trade block right now than Thuney? Thuney is a second-team all-pro, two time Super Bowl champion guard who would bring that much needed strong veteran presence to the Chiefs offensive line.
New England, for the first time in a long time, are likely sellers approaching the deadline. The Patriots picked up Thuney’s franchise tag after the 2019 season and have made it clear that they would be interested in hearing potential offers for the veteran guard. New England made that clear when they added young interior offensive linemen like Michael Onwenu in the draft. Plus, Thuney likely wants a massive, long-term deal, and the Patriots can off load that obligation by trading him away.
Trade #3: 2021 fourth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for David Njoku
While most of the offense is set for Kansas City, the only skill-position lacking depth is the tight end spot. Outside of Travis Kelce, the Chiefs don’t have much firepower. Adding a player like Njoku would give Kelce a reliable sidekick. Looking at Njoku’s stat line, he has been far more productive than Kansas City’s backups with seven receptions, 83 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. The second-best tight end for the Chiefs right now is Nick Keizer with three receptions and 38 scoreless yards.
Why should Cleveland consider trading Njoku? For starters, he has made his feelings clear that he would welcome a trade since the Browns signed Austin Hooper in free agency. Of course, Hooper has taken the starting role this season, and in last week’s game, which Hooper missed, rookie tight end Harrison Bryant was the star of the show with two touchdown grabs. Njoku isn’t happy in Cleveland, and they don’t have a need for him now.
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