The Kansas City Chiefs still hold some uncertainty at the wide receiver position coming out of the major wave of free agency. DeAndre Hopkins left to join the Baltimore Ravens, leaving a young and promising core in tact but not without some concerns.
Rashee Rice suffered a significant leg injury midway through the 2024 season. In addition, he and Xavier Worthy have an unknown status for the entirety of next season due to separate off-the-field incidents.
When those two are on the field, those worries are lessened. But with tight end Travis Kelce in the final stages of his career, there are questions about who will be Patrick Mahomes’ No. 1 pass catcher in 2025.
The Chiefs could wait until the NFL Draft to select another target, but at this point, Kansas City already has a stable full of receivers fitting the roles that another potential rookie would.
Furthermore, the offensive line looks to be more of a priority when the Chiefs are on the clock at No. 31.
Rather, a trade for a proven pass catcher could be the difference maker for this team and elevate the offense around Mahomes. Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacios proposed an acquisition of Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers.
“As for the Chiefs, the team is in a ‘playing it by ear’ situation as Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice have been dealing with off-field issues,” he wrote.
“While they did retain Marquise Brown, it might be just that one year he stays before he decides to join another contender next year if the Chiefs fail in the Super Bowl again.”
Palacios also mentions that the teams’ recent history could create a road block in any deal, but there is a plausible scenario where Aiyuk may leave the Bay Area this offseason.
General manager John Lynch hardly minced words when discussing the potential of trading Aiyuk weeks ago at the NFL Scouting Combine. Days later, Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders.
Looking at this move, Aiyuk would come at a cost but provides more security for the team’s long term future once Kelce retires. With Worthy and Rice consistently back in the fold, that would back for an ominous receiving trio.
The Chiefs may not see the need to pull off an aggressive move given they will have an assortment of talent once they are at full strength. However, it may be worth inspection to safeguard their future with Mahomes.
