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Jonathan Jones is one of the top options for the Chiefs

Posted on by Kennedy
Jonathan Jones is one of the top options for the Chiefs

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The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the most active teams in the NFL before the 2024 trade deadline.

The Chiefs first traded veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans before Week 8. Then, before Week 9, they completed a deal to sign veteran pass rusher Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots to bolster their edge rush.

Still, Kansas City may not be done tweaking its roster just yet. The Chiefs could still stand to add depth at multiple positions as they look to pull off an unprecedented three-peat in the Super Bowl.

Who could be one of the Chiefs' top trade targets? Here's a look at the remaining trade candidates that could be of interest to Kansas City.

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Chiefs trade targets

Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Kareem Hunt has been at his best for the Chiefs since leadback Isiah Pacheco suffered a broken leg, but can Kansas City expect it to stay that way? Additionally, can they have confidence that Pacheco will be able to handle the full postseason workload once he returns from his months-long recovery?

If the Chiefs are skeptical about answering any of these questions, that could convince them to target Etienne. The fourth-year defensive lineman is averaging just 4.1 yards per carry this season while battling a nagging injury. Still, he recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. So if he's healthy, he could provide Kansas City with an explosive playmaker out of the backfield.

Etienne is a good pass catcher. He is averaging 46 catches for 375 yards in 17 career games played and would provide the Chiefs with a receiving element that they do not currently have in their backfield. That could help Patrick Mahomes overcome the losses of Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown to long-term injuries.

Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots

L'Jarius Sneed was traded to the Titans in the offseason and the Chiefs replaced him for the first two months of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, they lost their starting cornerback, Jaylen Watson, to a season-ending leg injury. His absence calls for a backup at cornerback, which Jones would fill nicely.

Jones, 31, is a veteran with nine years of experience at outside linebacker and slot. He's undersized at 5-9, 185 pounds, but has the versatility Steve Spagnuolo looks for in smaller cornerbacks.

Jones could either start alongside Trent McDuffie in a smaller-looking secondary or simply give the Chiefs proven, versatile depth. His two Super Bowl wins with the Patriots certainly won't hurt his chances of being acquired by Kansas City.

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Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

Let's get this out of the way: The Panthers are reportedly not planning on trading Horn, according to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. That makes it unlikely that the No. 8 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft will wear a Chiefs uniform.

If the Panthers change their mind, the Chiefs would be interested in the 6-1, 200-pound cornerback. His size and physicality would pair well with McDuffie, who is 5-11 and 193 pounds, giving Spagnuolo another potential weapon for Kansas City's already stout defense.

Horn is also under contract through the 2025 NFL season, so his acquisition isn't just about pursuing a championship this season. This scenario could be every Chiefs fan's dream, as it doesn't look like Carolina will be moving one of their best young defensive players.

Tre'Davious White, CB, Los Angeles Rams

White doesn't have the upside of Horn or Jones' recent, steady performance, but he could be a worthwhile play for the Chiefs.

White was an All-Pro in 2019 but has gradually regressed due to injuries and has played in just 25 games since the start of the 2021 NFL season. A change of scenery could allow him to return to being a good cornerback after failing to do so with the Rams.

Los Angeles recently made White inactive, giving the 29-year-old a chance to pursue a trade. The Chiefs are in a unique position to target him and see if they can help him regain some of his previous elite form. If he can, he could emerge as the starter opposite McDuffie. If not, they can use him as an experienced and deep candidate for the position.

Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets

Could the Chiefs get another receiver? That's not necessary, but if they find an offer they like, they could do with adding depth to Mahomes' broken rotation.

Kansas City watched Williams for years as a downfield receiver with the Los Angeles Chargers. If the Jets part ways with him after trading for Davante Adams, the Chiefs could consider adding him to compete for playing time with Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Justin Watson.

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KJ Osborn, WR, New England Patriots

Osborn is another receiver who could add depth to Kansas City's rotation. The 27-year-old didn't do much with the Patriots, but averaged 53 catches, 615 yards and five touchdowns per year in his final three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

Osborn's versatility and speed could allow him to quickly work with Mahomes. Given his experience as a professional player, he would be a good backup for Smith-Schuster, who is struggling with a hamstring injury.

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