After Kansas Metropolis Chiefs large receiver Rashee Rice suffered a probably season-ending damage on Sunday, the defending Tremendous Bowl chaps may have some assist at wideout.
With 2024 free agent acquisition Hollywood Brown additionally sidelined indefinitely with damage, quarterback Patrick Mahomes faces a depleted depth chart to assist him lead the group’s offense.
Whereas having an all-time expertise like Mahomes may help make any receiver a stable choice on Sundays, he can’t do it alone. Even elite quarterbacks like Mahomes want as many choices within the passing recreation as they will get.
We’ve gone via 5 gamers that could possibly be acquired by way of commerce and two free brokers that make sense for Kansas Metropolis because the group figures out what to do subsequent at large receiver in wake of Rice’s damage.
Right here’s your most evident reply. The Cleveland Browns are within the midst of a disappointing 2024, and the group isn’t getting Cooper almost as concerned within the offense as you’d count on. A part of that’s on the struggles of quarterback Deshaun Watson, however that also leaves Cleveland in a troublesome spot. Cooper can be a free agent in 2025 and has the ceiling of being a high receiver in an NFL offense. He won’t return to Cleveland after this season, which means that he’s a potential commerce candidate for a Browns group that has stable depth at receiver. The Chiefs may ship, say, a third-round choose and alter to Cleveland so as to add Cooper on a rental deal (or extra). It’d be an enormous enhance at a time Kansas Metropolis desperately wants it, as Cooper may get again to his outdated self with Mahomes.
Hopkins could be 32 with loads of reps below his belt, however he’s nonetheless bought sufficient juice to assist out a group just like the Chiefs in want. Calvin Ridley has taken over as the highest receiver in Tennessee, and the Titans are staring down an 0-4 begin in the event that they lose to the Miami Dolphins on Monday night time. Buying and selling Hopkins could be a wise transfer for a Tennessee group in transition. We’ve a sense the star receiver would see a pointy uptick in his 2024 numbers (90 yards, 1 landing) with Mahomes.
Osborn was a constant contributor with the Minnesota Vikings, however he’s not likely factored in a lot with the New England Patriots this season. He’s solely bought 31 yards on 5 catches via 4 video games. If the Chiefs desire a extra inexpensive commerce choice with a excessive ceiling of their offense, Osborn could be a very savvy addition. With quarterback Kirk Cousins, Osborn hauled in 540 yards and three touchdowns as a Viking in 2023. He may get near that mark in Kansas Metropolis.
We’re undecided what’s happening with Hyatt in New York, who doesn’t have a catch this season with the Giants after a promising 373-yard rookie marketing campaign in 2023. If the Chiefs simply desire a younger man who can blossom with Mahomes within the passing recreation, Hyatt can be a very nice addition. He may want time to seek out his footing, however he’s bought the explosive potential to thrive in Kansas Metropolis.
If the Chiefs simply desire a dependable veteran who can regular the place group, Woods is your man. He’s not likely enjoying all that a lot with the Houston Texans this season, hauling in 28 yards on three receptions. He’s bought the veteran expertise to slot in seamlessly with Kansas Metropolis, and we’ve got a sense Mahomes would actually respect having somebody like Woods to throw to proper now. He’s one other man who most likely could possibly be had with a lower-round draft choose, too.
Thomas has had his share of damage points over the previous few seasons, which can be a part of why he’s nonetheless a free agent. Nevertheless, he recorded 448 yards and a landing with the New Orleans Saints final season and was wholesome for 10 video games (his greatest streak since 2019). He’s bought excessive upside to go together with his damage threat, and including him to the observe squad a minimum of looks as if an excellent transfer.
Renfrow by no means actually meshed with the Josh McDaniels Raiders after posting a 1,038-yard season in 2021. If he simply wants a change of surroundings to get again to being a dependable goal within the passing recreation, possibly the Chiefs may strike gold by including him as a free agent? If the group doesn’t actually need to deal any picks away, Renfrow is a low-risk, high-upside addition at this level within the 12 months.