We still don’t know how long he’ll be out, but Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will miss time due to a knee injury. There’s a chance Rice is out for the year, which would be a major blow to a team that was relying on him as an emerging star and the new top target for Patrick Mahomes. All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce is someone to pick for definite increased production compared to his early NFL player props odds when Rice was leading the way for KC. But the Chiefs probably want to add something to their receiving group. These guys are among the most realistic fits.
Browns WR Amari Cooper
He ultimately remained in Cleveland, but Cooper wanted to get traded during the summer—and a 1-3 start with ugly offensive performances from the Browns likely means that the veteran receiver would be happy to be traded to another NFL team. As an experienced all-around target with the ability to win on crossing routes as well as down the field, Cooper would be able to form a quick connection with Mahomes.
Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins
Somewhat curiously, the Titans added veterans Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to the receiving group after signing Hopkins during the 2023 offseason. They also have former first-rounder Treylon Burks in the mix. Overall, they should be willing to deal Hopkins for a draft pick considering they appear unlikely to contend based on the first four games of the year.
Panthers WR Diontae Johnson
Johnson was just acquired by Carolina this offseason in a trade with the Steelers, but he’s scheduled to be a free agent, and it sounds like he might not be back with the Panthers. The crafty route runner has produced since Andy Dalton took over at quarterback, and he’d bring inside-outside versatility to the back-to-back defending champions.
Giants WR Darius Slayton
Second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt is someone else to watch from the Giants given his lack of playing time, but Slayton profiles as the better fit for the Chiefs, who already have plenty of pure speed with Xavier Worthy. Slayton brings a deep element along with a little more veteran savvy than Hyatt. The Auburn product has led the Giants in receiving in four of the past five seasons.
Texans WR John Metchie III
Finally, Metchie is a talented player that’s simply stuck in a very crowded receiving group in Houston led by Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell. The second-round pedigree of Metchie and his college production could be appealing for Kansas City, and he’s another weapon that can win both on shorter and deep routes.
Other options that are arguably not as realistic include Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk—and perhaps even Raiders All-Pro Davante Adams. Kirk has a big contract, and Jacksonville might believe they can climb back into contention. Meanwhile, it’s just difficult to see Las Vegas trading a player of Adams’ caliber not only inside the AFC West but to an intense rival like the Chiefs—but don’t count anything out if the Chiefs make the best offer to the Raiders.