Chiefs Expected to Buy Receiving Help Before NFL Trade Deadline

The Kansas City Chiefs are positioned to make a move at wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline on November 10. Insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano report that injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton have left a gap in the passing game that running back Kenneth Walker III cannot fill alone. The team won its recent game in Seattle, but the performance highlighted the need for reliable downfield playmakers.

Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts is identified as a potential fit for Kansas City. Jerry Jeudy of the Cleveland Browns is also a candidate, though Cleveland is hesitant to trade him unless a substantial offer arrives. The Chiefs have a history of making targeted additions at this position during the deadline, including moves for Kadarius Toney and DeAndre Hopkins in prior seasons.

The Indianapolis Colts are actively clearing their roster following the trades of guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Assistant GM Ed Dodds is fielding calls on multiple players. Veteran wide receivers Keenan Allen and Laquon Treadwell are viewed as depth options for contenders. Downs and defensive tackle Grover Stewart have expiring contracts and did not sign extensions this offseason.

Running back Jonathan Taylor, who recently signed an extension, remains a trade candidate. The Colts would absorb $10 million in dead money next year if he is dealt. An acquiring team would take on the prorated portion of his $8 million salary and bonus compensation for the current season. Taylor is scheduled to make $16.02 million next year, a figure that converts to a full guarantee five days after the Super Bowl.

Bryan Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars is projected to be traded. Several executives believe his days in Jacksonville are numbered due to a diminished role in his third year. He has not caught a pass in the past two games and was benched in London during Week 6. Jaguars coach Liam Coen has not made him a central part of the offense since arriving last season.

The Cleveland Browns, currently 5-2 and leading the AFC North, are monitoring defensive line help and versatile blockers. A player similar to Patrick Ricard, who served in that role for Baltimore, is considered a timely addition. The team is weighing whether to reward its first-half success with a win-now player or stick to its long-term building plans with quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The New York Jets are facing questions about head coach Aaron Glenn. Most industry insiders expect he will coach through the end of the season before the team evaluates his two-year sample. However, his end-of-half clock management is drawing criticism. The Jets have been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the second quarter under his tenure. The offense ranks 27th in the NFL despite possessing talent like Garrett Wilson.

The Seattle Seahawks recently acquired Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. General Manager John Schneider is also monitoring edge rusher and running back positions. The Los Angeles Rams, who fell behind the 49ers and Seahawks in the NFC West, are considering whether to make another move, potentially for a speedy wide receiver. The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for one more defensive piece to bolster their contender status.