The Kansas City Chiefs solidified themselves as Super Bowl favorites by being active in the trade market ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. General manager Brett Veach addressed both sides of the ball by bringing in wideout DeAndre Hopkins and pass rusher Josh Uche in separate deals — both of which appear to already be paying off based on the Chiefs’ Week 9 victory.
Even though the Chiefs are the team to beat, another Super Bowl victory is far from guaranteed. There are still some kinks that Andy Reid’s team must iron out down the stretch if they want to become the first team in NFL history to win three Lombardi Trophies in a row.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at three post-trade deadline moves the Chiefs must make.
1. Solve the Left Tackle Problem
Protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes is paramount to any success the Chiefs will see down the stretch. That’s why Reid & Co. must work hard to solve the team’s abysmal left tackle situation.
Both Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia have struggled blocking on the left side of the offensive line. Morris has played to an uninspiring 57.7 pass block grade while Suamataia owns a mark of 43.4 and has only played eight offensive snaps in the last six outings after starting in the Chiefs’ first two games.
It’s gotten to the point where Chiefs fans are even open to the idea of the franchise reuniting with last year’s starting LT, Donovan Smith. Even though the ex-2015 second-round pick has yet to play any games this season, rolling the dice on him might not be a bad idea considering that he had a 60.3 pass block grade last year.
The Chiefs have an excellent opportunity to expand their championship cabinet and it’d be a shame if those dreams died due to poor left tackle play. That’s why it’s important for HC Reid to nip the issue in the bud before it worsens come the postseason.
2. Bench RB Carson Steele
When Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula in Week 2, Chiefs fans wondered what that meant for the team’s backfield. Fortunately, a returning Kareem Hunt has done a fantastic job at filling in for Pacheco, meaning Kansas City doesn’t have much of a reason to keep Carson Steele around anymore.
Steele, an undrafted rookie, garnered attention this preseason when he tallied 87 rushing yards and two TDs on only 11 carries. Even though he didn’t display the most potential during his collegiate days, the hope was that he could at least be a solid RB2/3 for the Chiefs this season.
Instead, Steele has struggled to have any memorable performances in Year 1. The former UCLA rusher has only generated 149 rushing yards on 44 carries while catching just 3-of-6 targets for an additional 10 yards. The lackluster showing has led to Steele owning Pro Football Focus‘ third-worst offense grade (52.5) among 65 eligible RBs.
Averaging an underwhelming 3.4 yards per carry, there’s just no reason for the Chiefs to give Steele any playing time down the stretch. Not only is Hunt performing at a high level, but Kansas City also has fellow RBs Samaje Perine and Clyde Edwards-Helaire under contract. That’s without mentioning how Keontay Ingram is also on the practice squad.
At the end of the day, Steele is just another guy who doesn’t need to be occupying a roster spot. The Chiefs are better off using his spot on a player who can provide more of an impact on the field.
3. Sign Another Defensive Back
The Chiefs missed out on acquiring Marshon Lattimore when the New Orleans Saints traded the superstar cornerback to the Washington Commanders at the deadline. But even though Lattimore won’t be helping Kansas City in its Super Bowl pursuit, that doesn’t mean GM Veach can’t add another defensive back through free agency.
After all, addressing the secondary is crucial. DBs Jaylen Watson (ankle) and Nazeeh Johnson (concussion) are still both on the sidelines. Their absence is a big reason why the Chiefs have fallen outside of the top 10 when it comes to coverage grades on PFF, clocking in with a mark of 66.6 (13th).
The good news for the Chiefs is that a handful of notable DBs are currently available in free agency. Safety Mike Edwards — who won a Super Bowl with the franchise last season — was just released by the Buffalo Bills earlier this week. Names like Xavien Howard, Jamal Adams, and Micah Hyde are still looking for new employment opportunities, too.
The Chiefs’ defense is a big reason why they’re undefeated and juicing up the secondary would go a long way in helping maintain their flawless record. With several free agents patiently waiting to play some meaningful football, it’s time for GM Veach to pick up the phone to call one of the aforementioned names.
