Chiefs have limited WR options to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster

For a second consecutive offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs have a vacancy at the No. 1 wideout position after JuJu Smith-Schuster agreed to a multi-year contract with the New England Patriots on Wednesday. 

The Chiefs were reportedly interested in re-signing Smith-Schuster, but the price was too high. Now, Kansas City turns its attention to plan B, acquiring a receiver by trade, free agency, or the draft. 

Perhaps the most intriguing option potentially on the table for the Chiefs is making a move for Arizona Cardinals' three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins, whose recently been the topic of trade discussions. 

The Chiefs have a need and the assets to make a deal work. The rumored asking price for Hopkins is a second-day draft choice, and Kansas City enters the NFL Draft with 10 selections overall. 

The only genuine concern for the Chiefs would be money. Hopkins has two seasons and $34.3 million left on his contract with the Cardinals, and many have speculated that the five-time Pro Bowler might require a new contract if traded. However, a recent report stated that Hopkins would be "flexible" over the remaining years of his deal.

If the Chiefs balk at the price for Hopkins, they could turn to a lackluster free-agent pool. Now that Smith-Schuster is off the board, that leaves the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., D.J. Chark, Adam Thielen, Parris Campbell, and old friend Mecole Hardman atop the list of available pass-catchers. While Beckham is likely out of Kansas City's price range, and the rest of the list doesn't inspire a lot of excitement, there could be a cheap stop-gap option that interests the Chiefs. 

Kansas City could also save some cash and draft a wideout, choosing instead to rely on the supporting cast already in place, which includes Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. 

The Chiefs were in a similar situation after trading Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins last offseason. But, despite losing such an explosive weapon, Kansas City's offense didn't miss a beat, and there's no reason to believe things will be any different this time, especially with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid still leading the charge.