Patrick Mahomes
Chiefs Predicted to Make 'Unexciting' Trade Deadline Move for Patrick Mahomes 1
The Kansas City Chiefs keep winning, but NFL insiders are projecting a roster shakeup to support Patrick Mahomes before the trade deadline. Despite a strong 3-0 start, a recent ESPN report suggests the front office isn’t done tweaking the offense. They likely want to upgrade their passing game.
However, fans expecting a high-profile blockbuster trade will likely be disappointed. While rumors connect Kansas City to superstar playmakers, league insiders expect a much smaller, low-key move.
Chiefs likely avoid costly trade deadline splash for Patrick Mahomes
Graziano shared this prediction in his Oct. 2 ESPN trade deadline preview. He noted that the Chiefs will likely make “an unexciting trade” rather than chasing a massive blockbuster. He addressed the fan fantasy of pairing Mahomes with a superstar playmaker, noting that the front office usually operates with far more restraint.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid pre game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
He penned, “Kansas City gets rumored as a destination for a lot of very exciting players, in part because of how uninspiring Patrick Mahomes’ wide receiver group has been and how enticing it is to imagine him with a talent such as, say, Brian Thomas Jr.”
Even though the Chiefs are 3-0, Mahomes has thrown two interceptions due to downfield miscommunications. Instead of chasing a superstar to fix the issue, the front office historically targets low-risk veteran depth. Because Kansas City is undefeated, they do not face the pressure to overpay for premium talent at the deadline.
“But while the Chiefs always seem to make a move at the deadline, it’s more often to add a player such as Kadarius Toney or late-career DeAndre Hopkins than a Breece Hall or Jaylen Waddle. Kansas City made its big offensive move this offseason by signing running back Kenneth Walker III, which looks like a pretty good decision so far.”
The front office prefers this approach because they already secured their primary offensive upgrade. By acquiring running back Kenneth Walker III this offseason, Kansas City built a balanced attack that reduces their reliance on the passing game.
He has carried the offense through three weeks, rushing for 360 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. His production allows the front office to be patient.
If the Chiefs do look for a receiver, a blockbuster remains unlikely. While Graziano named Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jerry Jeudy as league-wide trade candidates, he noted that Jacksonville still highly values Thomas. With about five weeks left before the Nov. 10 deadline, Kansas City has plenty of time to decide if a cheap veteran rental is enough to stabilize Mahomes’ passing attack.
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