The Kansas City Chiefs are definitely playing considerably better than the first few weeks of the season, having gone 5-2 over their last seven games to re-establish themselves as legitimate contenders once again.
However, the Chiefs may still look to iron out some problems before the NFL trade deadline, especially after losing to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
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Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has identified Kansas City as a potential landing spot for Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who could be on the block with the Dolphins clearly open to selling after moving edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
“While the Kansas City Chiefs might not be in full-on panic mode, they have to be concerned by their 5-4 record. They’re behind both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos in the AFC West, which means missing the playoffs is a very real possibility,” Knox wrote. “… Current Chiefs safety Bryan Cook has allowed an opposing passer rating of 128.1 in coverage this season. Fitzpatrick has allowed an opposing rating of 83.6.”
Knox has Kansas City sending wide receiver Tyquan Thornton and a third-round pick to Miami in exchange for Fitzpatrick, who was already traded once earlier this year when the Dolphins acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers back in June.
Thornton has actually been quite the explosive weapon for the Chiefs thus far in 2025, having logged 14 catches for 322 yards and three touchdowns. That’s good for a robust average of 22.2 yards per reception. However, the return of Rashee Rice has muddied Thornton’s role to the point where he has only been targeted three times over the last four games.
It’s becoming increasingly obvious that the Chiefs are not prioritizing Thornton, which could make him a very viable trade candidate.
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick has registered 50 tackles, an interception and five passes defended for Miami this season. The five-time Pro Bowler was once one of the top defensive backs in all of football, but he has obviously lost a step the last couple of years.
Still, the 28-year-old would comprise a rather substantial upgrade over what Kansas City currently has at safety, especially after losing Justin Reid to free agency during the offseason.
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