Chiefs Trade Buzz: Kansas City Eyeing Edge Help

Defense Takes Priority

Graziano noted that the Chiefs are “almost always active at the trade deadline,” though this year’s focus may not be on adding a wide receiver as in years past. Kansas City’s offense has started to find rhythm behind Patrick Mahomes, especially with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown emerging as the team’s primary receiving trio.

Instead, both insiders pointed to defense, and particularly the defensive front, as the most likely area of reinforcement. Graziano said that:

“If the Chiefs add at the deadline, I expect it to be on defense, maybe a veteran edge rusher, or possibly the offensive line.”

The Chiefs’ interior depth has taken a hit, and the team is thin along the defensive line following the loss of rookie tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, who tore his ACL in Sunday’s win over the Raiders. Norman-Lott’s injury, while overshadowed by the historic blowout, leaves Kansas City with another hole to patch. The 23-year-old appeared in five games this season, recording one sack and five tackles while playing roughly a quarter of the defensive snaps.

Jaelan Phillips Among Names to Watch

One intriguing name being floated in league circles is Jaelan Phillips, the talented edge rusher from the Miami Dolphins. Phillips has struggled to stay healthy, but at 6-foot-5 with elite length and athleticism, he remains a high-upside player who could thrive in Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive scheme.

Over his five-year career, Phillips has notched 25 sacks and 117 pressures, showcasing the physical tools that once made him a first-round pick. If Miami decides to move him, Kansas City could be an ideal landing spot, particularly given Veach’s track record of acquiring midseason defensive help, such as Melvin Ingram in 2021.

Injuries Amplify Need for Reinforcements

While the duo of offensive linemen Trey Smith and Jawaan Taylor exited the Raiders game and did not return, Fowler reported that their issues appear minor, and they are unlikely to miss time. The bigger question for the Chiefs’ offensive line remains rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, whose status has been uncertain for three weeks. The team has avoided commenting on his situation, which is reportedly related to a family matter.

Defensively, however, the numbers speak for themselves. Through six weeks, Kansas City’s defensive linemen ranked 22nd in pass rush win rate and dead last (32nd) in run-stop win rate, per ESPN. Despite their trademark blitz-heavy approach, the Chiefs’ inability to win up front without extra pressure has been one of the few weak spots on an otherwise championship-caliber roster.

Brett Veach has never shied away from bold in-season moves to bolster the roster. Whether it’s acquiring offensive playmakers or fortifying the trenches, the Chiefs’ general manager has consistently been aggressive when a championship window is open. With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid leading a team rounding into form, it’s hard to imagine Veach standing pat, and the Chiefs are expected to stay active as the trade deadline draws near.