The Kansas City Chiefs are at the bottom of the AFC West with a 3-4 record.
If they don’t turn things around, they are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.
Unfortunately, they can’t expect to change their fortunes without tweaking their roster.
They need much help at wide receiver because Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are already doing the heavy lifting.
“Dear Sweet Lord Baby Jesus, Let The Chiefs Win Today” #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/VF1XbCGCH1
— ChiefsAholic ™️ (@ChiefsAholic) November 1, 2021
The Chiefs also need help at running back because of Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s absence.
Finally, their defense needs upgrades at defensive tackle, edge rusher, and cornerback.
It would be difficult for general manager Brett Veach to address these concerns in one trade deadline.
All of these are still true at present:
1. Andy Reid is a HOF coach
2. Patrick Mahomes is the game's best QB
3. Brett Veach is very good at his job
4. The Chiefs have serious issues and blame should be placed at the feet of all parties
5. Some of you need to put the phone down.— Matt Conner (@MattConnerAA) October 24, 2021
Aside from the ultimatum for transactions being a day away, there are not many cornerbacks available in the market.
However, there are trades that the Chiefs can explore to improve their chances of keeping their postseason streak alive.
3. Brandin Cooks – Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
It feels like the Texans are on a fire sale mode after trading Mark Ingram to the New Orleans Saints.
Deshaun Watson could be long gone if not for his legal issues, given the multiple interests to acquire him.
If Houston is on rebuild mode, Cooks will likely be the next person on the trading block, and the Chiefs must take a shot in acquiring him.
He continues to be a productive player despite experiencing three trades in his career.
This is bullshit. Such a joke
— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) October 27, 2021
Cooks has five seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards and is on track for number six in 2021.
As of writing, Cooks is tenth in receiving yards this season with 585.
But he might continue the season with another team after tweeting his frustration about the Ingram trade.
He will count for only $1.2 million against the salary cap, a bargain for a player of his caliber.
Brandin Cooks burned em, 38-14, the comeback is on. pic.twitter.com/R55vt6kbkl
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) October 31, 2021
However, the Chiefs must consider his $14 million price tag next year.
Getting Cooks will give Kansas City the big receiver they desperately need.
That luxury will come in handy at the red zone or during jump ball situations.
2. Marlon Mack – Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Opposing defenses know what’s coming in practically every play during Edwards-Helaire’s absence.
That’s why they would instead drop seven or eight people in coverage to defend against Hill and Kelce.
It’s easier said than done but stopping those two players will shut down their offense
Therefore, they must mix it up by bringing a talent like Mack to their backfield.
#Colts RB Marlon Mack is still generating a lot of interest around the #NFL
Some of the teams we have heard interested are the #49ers #Chiefs #WashingtonFootball and #Chargers pic.twitter.com/CHQjolWCX6
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 26, 2021
It may not be the most appealing trade available, but Mack is hoping to get out of Indianapolis after Jonathan Taylor became the featured running back.
He is healthy and can provide a boost to the Chiefs’ running game if given a chance.
Mack had stellar seasons in 2018 and 2019, wherein he finished with 908 and 1091 yards, respectively.
Once Edwards-Helaire returns, a partnership with Mack is a backfield tandem that other teams will respect.
Likewise, trading for him won’t break Kansas City’s bank because he will count for only $250,000 against the cap.
1. Charles Harris – Defensive End, Detroit Lions
It would be better for the Detroit Lions to trade Harris away if he doesn’t fit their plans.
On the other hand, the Chiefs need all the help they can get on defense because they surrender close to 130 rushing yards per game.
Worst, they’re only generating 1.1 sacks per game which are the NFL’s worst per-game average.
They need another person to bring the heat other than Chris Jones and Frank Clark.
#Lions LB Charles Harris, a former #Dolphins 1st round bust that was also on the #Falcons in his career, has had one sack in 4 games in a row for Detroit. That is the longest streak in team history.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 11, 2021
Harris can be that guy because he’s doing reasonably well during his stint with the Lions.
Pro Football Focus reports that Harris has 20 quarterback pressures and four sacks in 172 snaps.
When prorated, he will also be worth what’s left of his $750,000 salary, which is a low-key deal that can pay big dividends for the Chiefs.
Charles Harris has more sacks this season than any player on the Dolphins.
— 𝙍𝙮 🐬 (@miami_ry) October 5, 2021
If he does well, Kansas City can sign him for a long-term deal.
That scenario is not a bad bargain considering it will need a draft selection in the latter rounds to acquire him.
NEXT: Charles Woodson On Chiefs Season: "I Think They're Done"