Chiefs could solve deadline dilemma by taking a wild Christian Wilkins swing

The NFL trade deadline looms large as NFL playoff contenders seek to strengthen their rosters before 3 p.m. CST on November 4. The Kansas City Chiefs are on a hot streak and appear to be in the mix for another deep playoff run. With that in mind, the team will certainly be in the market to make some moves to bolster their roster. While much speculation has been made to add a running back to the offense, a bigger need has developed on the defensive side of the ball.

The Chiefs were already needy at the position, and that's even before losing rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott for the rest of the season with a

The sudden loss of Norman-Lott makes the Chiefs' depth chart on the defensive line even thinner than it already was. However, several veteran defensive tackles could potentially be available in a trade. Tennessee's Sebastian Joseph, Cleveland's Shelby Harris, or Arizona's Calais Campbell are all pending free agents next spring and could probably be had for a late Day 3 pick. The Jets' Harrison Phillips would be a good run stopper and is under contract until the spring of 2027.

The Chiefs' best move might be a longshot reach at defensive tackle for free agent Christian Wilkins.

However, the Chiefs might not have to part with any assets if they are willing to take on a potential headache. Former Dolphins first-round pick Christian Wilkins still waits to find a new team after his surprise release from the Raiders in July. The 29-year-old former Clemson Tiger found himself at odds with the Raiders after suffering a setback from a broken foot last fall. Despite being just one year into his massive four-year, $110 million contract, the Raiders released Wilkins amidst other bizarre allegations that he had kissed a teammate on top of the head in the locker room without consent.

The unexpected release under such strange circumstances cannot be ignored. However, the concept of signing a player like Wilkins—an elite talent with character question marks—is right up Andy Reid's alley. How many times have we seen the "former first-round pick finds a home in Kansas City" headline?

The Chiefs certainly won't be the only team looking for defensive line help before the deadline. AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers are probably going to make a move after losing Otito Ogbonnia on Sunday against the Colts. One possible connection is the fact that Wilkins shares an agent with Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu. David Mulugheta represents both players; perhaps Omenihu can help kickstart the idea of giving Wilkins a call.