Leading up to the 2025 NFL trade deadline, the Kansas City Chiefs were a team rumored to be in on a lot of deals. However, the deadline came and went, and the Chiefs weren’t involved in any last-minute trades. Apparently, that wasn’t for a lack of trying. Since the deadline has passed there have been a couple of reports saying Kansas City was close to getting a deal done.
The most recent report came early Sunday morning. NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that at Tuesday’s deadline, the Chiefs nearly acquired Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe. Mafe had been viewed as a trade candidate all throughout the season, and according to Schefter, the deal was so close to getting done that one source thought it actually was complete. Ultimately, Seattle made the decision to hold on to Mafe.
A near deal: At Tuesday’s NFL deadline, the Chiefs made a late strong push to acquire Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe, per sources. Some thought the deal would get done; one source even thought it was completed. But right before the deadline, Seattle opted to hold on to Mafe. pic.twitter.com/lDDrJcOVGo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2025
Chiefs were reportedly close to landing Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe ahead of trade deadline
Chiefs fans were quick to make it known on social media that this is familiar territory for the franchise. Kansas City has a history of near deals, and since they are something that’s frequently reported, fans are tired of hearing about who the team almost had. Either a deal got done, or it didn’t, and in this case, the Chiefs didn’t get a trade done.
It makes sense that Kansas City was interested in acquiring Mafe, because the outside linebacker would have provided some much-needed help to the Chiefs' defensive front. The Chiefs are just 5-4 on the year, and one of the reasons why is a thin defensive front. Mafe, who’s set to enter free agency this offseason, could have been a difference maker as the team tries to get back in track.
Ultimately, the 7-2 Seahawks, one of the surprises of the 2025 season, decided to hold on to the outside linebacker. With Seattle shaping up to be a contender this season, the Seahawks held on to their trade candidates, and made the splashy move of acquiring wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. The Chiefs, who didn’t get any deals done, will have to figure things out with the players they already have in the building.