TL;DR
- Kansas City Chiefs started 2025 with back-to-back losses but recovered to 5-3, needing enhancements.
- The Chiefs require running back help due to Isiah Pacheco's knee sprain and Kareem Hunt's limited role.
- Kansas City also needs defensive tackle depth to improve their pass rush and stop the run.
- Potential trade targets include RBs Alvin Kamara, Chuba Hubbard, Breece Hall, and DTs Sebastian Joseph-Day, T'Vondre Sweat, Davon Godchaux.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off its 2025 campaign in an unusual fashion, dropping back-to-back contests. This led many to question if the dynasty's reign was concluding, yet the Chiefs subsequently achieved a 5-1 record over their subsequent six contests, bringing them to a 5-3 standing as Week 9 approached.
The Kansas City team is steering itself back on course, though further enhancements are necessary to overcome the division-leading Denver Broncos. The Chiefs are in need of running back assistance, given that their starter, Isiah Pacheco, is managing a knee sprain, and Kareem Hunt is primarily utilized for short-yardage plays. Kansas City's other primary requirement is depth at defensive tackle, aiming to invigorate their pass rush.
Ahead of the 2025 deadline, here are the six premier trade possibilities for The Chiefs.
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Alvin Kamara, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
The Chiefs could consider acquiring Alvin Kamara as a veteran player. Selected in the third round of the 2017 draft, he's recognized as a versatile running back adept at both carrying the ball and catching passes. Kamara, aged 30, has faced difficulties initiating his 2025 season, holding a 1-7 record New Orleans Saints.
Although Kamara might be nearing the end of his career, he'd serve as a dependable, temporary choice for Kansas City. His current contract extends through the 2026 season.
MORE: Why did the Saints hire Kellen Moore?
Hubbard, Panthers RB
The Carolina Panthers suddenly have a two-headed monster in the backfield with Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. Carolina's sole challenge lies in identifying an effective approach for deploying both running backs. Many believe the Panthers should stick with Dowdle, who has been playing significantly better recently, and part ways with Hubbard.
The Oklahoma State product is in the fifth year of his NFL career. He recently signed a four-year extension with Carolina and is under contract through the 2028 season, providing Kansas City with a longer-term option.
New York Jets' Running Back, Breece Hall
Chiefs supporters probably hope the team pursues Hall. The running back is in the final year of his rookie deal so would likely need an extension unless Kansas City was interested in him as just a half-season rental.
Hall leads the New York Jets with 581 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. That is more than 200 yards and an extra touchdown more than Pacheco. Hall also has 178 receiving yards. Acquiring him from the 1-7 Jets shouldn't cost too much in draft capital, given that he is on an expiring contract, and he could add a much-needed spark to the offense.
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Titans DT Sebastian Joseph-Day
The other position of need for Kansas City is defensive line depth. The Tennessee Titans are 1-7, and reports have suggested that they are open to trading anyone that is not named Cam Ward or Jeffrey Simmons. With the Titans open for business, the first choice would be Simmons, but if he can't be had, then Kansas City needs to look at their other defensive tackles.
Sebastian Joseph-Day plays end in Tennessee's 3-4, but he could fill in there or in the middle for Kansas City. The type of player that the Chiefs need on the interior is a competent depth piece, and that's what Joseph-Day is.
MORE: Why did the Titans fire Mike Vrabel?
Titans DT T'Vondre Sweat
Like his current teammate, Sweat would be a solid depth piece for Kansas City. He is listed at 6-foot-4, 366 lbs, and would be a strong run-stopper to add to the defensive line alongside the shifty Chris Jones. Sweat has only six solo tackles this season, but two of them are sacks. He is in the second year of his rookie deal, so he would likely cost a mid-round pick to acquire, but he is another player Kansas City could develop.
MORE: Why did the Titans fire Brian Callahan?
Godchaux DT Saints
The New Orleans Saints haven't said that they are looking to sell, but the writing is on the wall. The Saints are 1-7 and could start unloading pieces. While teams are more interested in their wide receivers, New Orleans could part with Davon Godchaux.
The defensive tackle is 30 years old and is in the first year of a two-year deal. He is more of a run stopper than someone who gets to the quarterback, but is still below his typical production through eight games this season.