Mock Trade Has Chiefs Landing Dolphins Offensive Lineman

The Kansas City Chiefs' biggest need at the NFL trade deadline is far and away a wide receiver. 

Plenty of wide receivers have been linked to or projected to Kansas City, including Indianapolis Colts player Josh Downs. 

On the other hand, it isn't just the wide receiver position that the Chiefs need to address. There are other areas where they could use help, and one of them is on the offensive line. 

Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors had eight new mock trade proposals, and one of them involved the Chiefs. 

In the proposal, Ulrich had the Chiefs landing Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson. 

The proposal was Jackson and a 2028 7th-round pick coming to Kansas City with a 2027 5th-round choice going to Miami. 

Jackson starred in college for the USC Trojans, and he went 18th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

The Dolphins gave Jackson a 3-year, $36 million extension in December 2023, but they restructured the deal, so this is an expiring contract. 

The Chiefs could use help on the offensive line, especially with Josh Simmons' absence, and the turnstile of players trying to fill the void. 

The Dolphins aren't doing much this year, so getting a swap of any kind in exchange for Jackson makes a lot of sense, especially with all signs pointing to Jackson not returning to the Dolphins this offseason. 

The Chiefs need to find ways to protect Mahomes, and that is a top priority as well as landing a pass catcher to add to the offense. 

Jaylon Moore has played well but also battled injuries, and with Simmons out still, Jackson would, at the very least, provide some depth to the roster at the offensive line position. 

In a vacuum, this might not be the splashy move Chiefs fans are hoping for, but it could be a savvy move by Brett Veach and company that pays off when the season is reaching the end. 

The Chiefs have battled plenty of injuries in year's past, and it's no secret that finding a way to keep Mahomes upright is going to make or break their chances of getting back to the Super Bowl sooner rather than later. 

The thought of Jackson coming to Kansas City is something to consider, especially at the price point that Ulrich mentioned. And, if it doesn't work out, Jackson will be a free agent anyways at the end of the season.