As we as we wait for what seems like an eternity for training camp, I thought I would look at the roster and see what trades the team could make to bolster depth at certain positions. The Chiefs don't have a lot of cap space , so that needs to be factored in. These aren't super flashy trades, rather, they are minor transactions that wouldn't get a ton of publicity of they ever happened. Enjoy...........
Kansas City Chiefs get FB Scott Matlock
Los Angeles Chargers get conditional 2029 7th round pick
The situation,
Jim Harbaugh seems hellbent on leading the NFL in rushing. So much so that he gave Alec Ingold a 2 year, 7 million dollar contract in the off season, which is a lot of money for a fullback in 2026 NFL. This all but seals the fate of Scott Mattlock , who was the Chargers starting fullback the past 2 seasons. . I don't care how much Harbaugh wants to pound the rock, he aint keeping 2 fullbacks on the roster.
Why it makes sense for KC,
If the Chiefs want to have this new identity running the football with Ken Walker, it would probably behoove them to emulate what Seattle did while he was there. The Seahawks were among the league leaders in FB usage in 2025. Matlock is a converted DT and stands a massive 6'4 295 lbs. He also plays special teams and can play DL on a pinch. Like I said, he is all but off the Chargers roster. The Chiefs could probably get him for a song.
Kansas City Chiefs get Edge BJ Ojulari
Arizona Cardinals get Conditional 2027 7th round pick and OL CJ Hanson
The situation,
Ojulari was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. After a promising rookie season where he was tops in rookie pressure, it all went downhill from there. He tore his ACL in the Pre season of 2024. He missed the first 8 games of this season and when he was finally activated off of the P.U.P list, he had 1 sack and 3 QB hits on 204 snaps. Word on the street is that he is facing tougher and tougher odds to make the team and is firmly on the bubble heading into camp.
Why it makes sense for KC,
The Chiefs still have some issues at DE. They could use another body there, if for no other reason than to push F.A.U. Ojulari is the same height as R Mason Thomas, however, he has 34.5 inch arms , over 10 inch hands , and a large wingspan. He is a bigger player than his listed height. He also played some OLB for the Cardinals. The Chiefs are set to get two 7th round comp picks in next years draft. The condition is I would give AZ the better of those 2 picks. I through in Hanson because AZ could use OL depth and we have solid depth on the OL.
Kansas City Chiefs get LB Marte Mapu
Houston Texans get 2028 6th round pick
The situation,
The Texans trade a 6th for Mapu and a 7th earlier this off season when EJ Speed went down with injury while training. Since then , the Texans drafted 2 LB's in the 2026 NFL draft. Despite Speed going down, Houston still has a fairly deep LB corps with several other young players standing out in Mini camp. This could make Mapu expendable. He is also on the final year of his contract.
Why it makes sense for KC,
The Chiefs are desperately thin at LB outside of Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill. While it is a limited sample size, Mapu has graded out very well in coverage the past 2 seasons. He would upgrade the speed in the LB room while giving the team another option at coverage LB. He also plays special teams. Chiefs could have a steal if they pull the trigger.
Kansas City Chiefs get TE Colby Parkinson
Los Angeles Rams get Conditional 5th(that could turn into a 3rd with incentives) and DB Christian Rolland Wallace
The situation,
Colby Parkinson is coming off of a career year with the Rams. He is also one of the best run blocking Tight Ends in the game. That said, LAR has a lot of depth at that position. Tyler Higbee is a stalwart in their offense as a blocker. Terence Fergeson is a former 3rd round pick that they are high on and they just selected a TE in the 2nd round of this past draft. They also have Davis Allen who has shown flashes. Parkinson is also on an expiring contract.
Why it makes sense for KC,
The TE depth behind Kelce is abysmal. The desperately need another viable receiver as well as someone who can move people in the run game. Parkinson can do both. Of course, The rams aren't going to give away a player like Parkinson for nothing. a potential 3rd round pick could entice them to part ways. I also threw in CRW . The Rams still could use some DB depth and he is a good special teams player , which the Rams put a premium on. I feel good about our secondary depth.
Conclusion,
Veach still has some work to do improving this roster. Whether he makes these trades or other ones, I do expect some activity in the following weeks. Until then.........