Kansas City Chiefs Acquire $28 Million Wide Receiver in Intriguing Trade Proposal

Losing Rashee Rice to an injury has left the Kansas City Chiefs weaker at the wide receiver position. According to an NFL analysis, though, the team could address that concern by trading for Tennessee Titans’ DeAndre Hopkins.

Just recently, Patrick Mahomes has expressed unwavering confidence in the Chiefs’ wide receiver corps, despite recent injuries to key players Marquise Brown and Rice. Meanwhile, the team showcased their offensive potential in their previous game against the New Orleans Saints, where the quarterback surpassed 300 passing yards and the team rushed for 139 yards.

Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

With the trade deadline approaching, the performance of the wide receivers may influence management’s decisions. In the absence of Brown and Rice, the team is relying on rookie Xavier Worthy and veterans like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman.

While there are concerns about the wide receiver depth, especially given past struggles, Mahomes remains optimistic. He credited general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid for assembling a roster that can adapt and perform under pressure. The success of supporting players like Hardman and Worthy in recent games has bolstered this confidence.

Mahomes’s belief in his teammates will be crucial as they face a challenging 49ers defense. Although Smith-Schuster’s recent hamstring issue adds uncertainty, he is determined to lead the Chiefs to victory, trusting that this current group can meet the team’s aspirations for success in the upcoming games.

Kansas City Chiefs Land DeAndre Hopkins in Intriguing NFL Trade Idea

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.

With Rice still recovering from an injury, Hopkins might be the solution Kansas City needs. This is explained more in an NFL trade proposal by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell.

What the Chiefs need is someone who can step in and take Rice’s spot in the starting lineup without requiring any sort of serious commitment for next season. Looking around the league for veterans who fit that role, there’s an obvious fit in Hopkins. He’s owed approximately $6 million over the remainder of the season, but the 32-year-old former Texans star is a free agent in 2025.

The Chiefs already have speed in Worthy and Mecole Hardman, along with backs and tight ends who can catch the football, but Hopkins would be the “X” receiver they don’t have on their roster. Hopkins has been a part-time player for the Titans while recovering from a torn MCL suffered during the offseason, with the five-time Pro Bowler having played 43% of the offensive snaps through the first five games. Kansas City could let him continue to work his way into the lineup in a part-time role as he heals during the season before ramping up his snaps in December and January. The team already has a 94% chance of winning the AFC West, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.

The Chiefs are reportedly considering a trade for Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as the NFL trade deadline approaches. With injuries affecting their current receiving corps, acquiring Hopkins could bolster their offense significantly.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) goes through warmups before their game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

Kansas City aims to enhance their Super Bowl chances by adding a proven playmaker. While discussions are ongoing, the move would likely involve future draft picks. Ultimately, if the Chiefs secure Hopkins, it could provide a substantial boost to their championship aspirations as they navigate a challenging season ahead.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) warms up before taking on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.