This Receiver Trade Actually Makes Sense For Chiefs

The rumor mill is getting seriously cranked up when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs possibly making a trade for a receiver, and most of them are media fantasies. Ted Nguyen of The Athletic was the exception, though, as he actually applied rational logic rather than wishful thinking to the situation. 

The whimsical example was receiver George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys, who’s either been a headache everywhere he’s been or a headache waiting to happen. That’s not something the Chiefs need right now, and Nguyen was smart enough to characterize Pickens as a “dream” trade, although the Dallas receiver has turned out to be a lot of team’ worst nightmare when he inevitably becomes unhappy. 

The receiver who might be a better fit is Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts, who was called the “next best option,” by the writer. Downs could be significantly more productive in the Chiefs offensse, which was spot on as well. 

One of the best part of a Downs deal would be the cost, and Nguyen threw out a fourth-round pick as what it would take to get a deal done. That makes sense for Indianapolis, as they’ve hung up the “for sale” sign on most of their key players, so the Colts are obviously interested in accumulating draft picks. 

Whether Downs would be able to separate and solve Kansas City’s problems is another question entirely, and that’s where things get especially tricky with the Indy receiver. Andy Reid has always preferred speed merchants, which is part of why he’s become especially attached to Xavier Worthy, although Worthy hasn’t done much lately to justify this kind of faith from his coach. 

The other candidate Nguyen covered in his list of possible deals is Brian Thomas Jr., who’s been out there in rumors for weeks now. The writer’s deal was a third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder that would send Thomas to the Los Angeles Rams, but Thomas doesn’t feel like a fit for the Chiefs. 

He’s struggled with drops for a while now, which is a significant problem the Chiefs probably have no desire to revisit. Indeed, it was only when the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for reliable reciever Jakobi Meyers that quarterback Trevor Lawrence began to take off. and someone is going to be very disappointed when the acquire Thomas. It’s not going to be the Chiefs, but Downs is a viable possibility who should be kept in mind.