With the midseason trade deadline looming in the next couple of weeks for NFL franchises, it’s no wonder that fans are really starting to hear more rumors than ever before as teams decide whether to sell or buy. The Kansas City Chiefs are all-in on the 2025 season, obviously, so it’s no surprise to see them mentioned as one of the teams searching for potential help.

The latest word from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini has the Chiefs in the mix for some defensive help. Russini writes that general manager Brett Veach is in the market for help in the trenches. That would make sense on a couple of levels, inside or outside.

The Chiefs have a solid rotation of edge rushers and there’s reason to believe they will improve with time. George Karlaftis has played his best football in December and January in recent years, and Ashton Gillotte is a rookie who will learn more with each passing week. However, the loss of Felix Anudike-Uzomah to start the year and Charles Omenihu’s injury history means the Chiefs are crossing their fingers that no one else is hurt, even for a short stretch.

The Chiefs are reportedly interested in trading for potential d-line help before the deadline.

The Chiefs’ greater need is inside, however, where the run-stopping options inside provide the lowest floor on the roster. The Chiefs went so far as to trade for Derrick Nnadi before the season after letting him walk in free agency, and there’s a general need inside for more dynamic performers. The Chiefs signed Brodric Martin and Zacch Pickens to practice squad deals for a reason, and while neither has earned a promotion, it’s a general sign that the interior is weak.

Russini also notes that the Chiefs are reportedly out on running backs. That would be a smart rumor to float if K.C. wanted to provide a smokescreen, but the Chiefs’ reticence to invest big at the position in recent years could be a signal that they’re again comfortable with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt as their primary options for the rest of the year.

Given the status of the AFC at present, it might make sense for K.C. to rest on its laurels and trust the process. Every team has serious weaknesses, and the Chiefs are looking healthier than ever with Rashee Rice ready to join the offense as well. There’s no need to panic on anyone’s part, since Kansas City looks as good as anyone else contending for a title.

It makes sense for the Chiefs to monitor the pulse of the trade market for the next two weeks, knowing they can play it smart. They’re not desperate buyers, and unless a major injury occurs, they’re likely to maintain that posture for until November 4 when the deadline passes.