Even though the NFL trade deadline is still weeks away, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is actively monitoring the market. Following their Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets traded for Davante Adams, reuniting the three-time All-Pro with Aaron Rodgers. Not to be outdone, Buffalo traded for Amari Cooper, adding some much-needed firepower to a passing attack that needed more playmakers. These two were the biggest names on the trade market, and the receiver-needy Chiefs must decide how they should handle their improved conference competition.
Speaking to reporters, Andy Reid discussed the difficulties of bringing receivers up to speed after a trade, and that it’s an issue he didn’t face with Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman. However, the head coach also pointed out that chemistry can be developed on the fly and didn’t rule out trading for a playmaker.
“I think that helped JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and his situation coming back in and jumping in. It helped Mecole (Hardman) come back, but I’m not telling the other guys can’t come in and help out. So that’s not, I don’t think that’s an issue.” said Reid. “It’s just going to take a little bit longer to figure it out and get on the same page with Pat (Patrick Mahomes), and all those things will be quite what you’ve seen with these other guys that have been in it, but that’s, and I’m not saying that we need to bring anybody else in.”
Andy Reid Interview: Comments Suggest A Trade Could Come Soon
If Andy Reid is worried about how quickly a trade target could acclimate in an offense, the Chiefs should pull the trigger on a deal as soon as possible. At 5-0, Kansas City should win the division but might stumble in the playoffs. The offense isn’t as unstoppable as usual, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes is struggling (by his standards) to make it work with free agent signee Marquise Brown and reliable second-round pick Rashee Rice sidelined for the season. Travis Kelce showed some life after a slow start and first-round pick Xavier Worthy is promising, but this team could use another reliable set of hands.
The Raiders would never trade Davante Adams to the Chiefs, but losing Amari Cooper to the Bills has to hurt. While those were the top two players available, Andy Reid could still find a good trade target if he calls the Carolina Panthers or Jacksonville Jaguars.
Possible Targets
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson is probably the best player remaining on the trade block and a perfect fit for Andy Reid and the Chiefs offense. Originally acquired to provide 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young with a reliable route runner, Johnson thrived once the team put in Andy Dalton. Johnson doesn’t have the same game-breaking ceiling as guys like Adams and Cooper, but he’s a remarkably consistent player who could thrive with an elite quarterback. Dalton is probably the best passer he’s ever had, so imagine what he could do with Patrick Mahomes.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, are embracing the tank following their 1-5 start. The team already sent Roy Robertson-Harris to the Seattle Seahawks, and Christian Kirk could be the next to go. With no guaranteed money in 2025 and first-round pick Brian Thomas looking like the real deal, Jacksonville could maximize their return and trade Christian Kirk to Andy Reid and the Chiefs. With defense playing more two-high looks than ever before, Kansas City could use a player like Kirk who can get open quickly and make plays in the short and intermediate part of the field.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff – USA Today Sports
