PFF: Chiefs Breakout Weapon On the Trade Block

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the league’s best rosters, which means they can’t always afford to extend their good-but-not-great players. With this in mind, it means the organization could trade impending free agents like Jaylen Watson one season before their rookie contract expires. A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson established himself as a legitimate CB2 opposite Trent McDuffie last year before a broken leg prematurely ended his season.

Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, Pro Football Focus believes the Chiefs could attempt to trade Jaylen Watson during the 2025 NFL Draft. Pointing out the strong depth in the room along with the addition of veteran Kristian Fulton, PFF believes the Chiefs could get a decent return for the former fourth-round pick, and there should be a few teams interested in his services.

“The Chiefs are known for keeping their core starters in place, particularly on defense, but this offseason has been fraught with change. That includes at cornerback with the signing of Kristian Fulton, which might not leave a clear future for a player like [Jaylen] Watson.”

PFF: Chiefs Could Trade Jaylen Watson During 2025 NFL Draft

Possible Destinations

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have the foundation for their rebuild in place on the offensive side of the ball. The defense, however, could use some work. While the biggest issues are on the defensive line, the secondary could still use another playmaker. Cornerback Jaycee Horn received a massive extension and Mike Jackson is back for another run, but those two weren’t enough to prevent the Panthers from having the NFL’s worst defense last year. Jaylen Watson won’t fix every issue with this defense, but a trade will give Carolina three reliable starters in the secondary.

Green Bay Packers

Jaire Alexander is still technically a member of the Green Bay Packers, but that probably won’t be the case by Week 1. The once-great cornerback cannot stay on the field, and his extensive injury history makes it impossible to justify his current $25 million cap hit. Cutting Alexander after June 1st will create $17.1 million in cap savings, which is vital for a team hoping to compete in one of the NFL’s best divisions. A Jaylen Watson trade would ensure the Packers have a reliable starter in the secondary for the upcoming season. While Watson can’t match Alexander’s peak production, he’s a more cost-effective option who has much more left in his tank.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have done the impossible, creating cap space for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons. While the team addressed the defensive line with the Chase Young extension, they still need to do something about the cornerback position. With Marshon Lattimore in Washington and Paulson Adebo in New York, the Saints need someone capable of starting opposite second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry. Jaylen Watson is a perfect choice for the job, as the trade candidate is a starting-caliber option who should help form a passable secondary in a weak division.