The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-0 and currently lead the NFL. Despite a solid offensive performance against the New Orleans Saints, they faced challenges in the red zone and have concerns about their wide receiver depth due to injuries to Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. With the Chiefs heading into their bye week, it’s an ideal time for general manager Brett Veach to consider acquiring a wide receiver.
Rashee Rice will be out for both the regular season and playoffs. Although Juju Smith-Schuster had a strong game against the Saints, the Chiefs will need another reliable target in their receiving corps if they aim to achieve the NFL’s first “three-peat.”
Just over a week ago, I outlined ten potential wide receiver trade targets following Rice’s injury. As the NFL rumor mill has been active and team situations have changed, the most likely targets have become clearer. I now believe there are three primary candidates who could join the Chiefs if Brett Veach opts to make a move.
1. Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
Amari Cooper, at 30 years old, is a seasoned number-one wide receiver in the NFL. While he may not be at his peak anymore, he still managed over 1,200 yards last season and would instantly become the top receiver on Kansas City’s roster. Although he would need some time to adjust to the offense, his experience with various teams and systems should help him quickly adapt for a playoff push.
The Cleveland Browns have fallen to a 1-4 record and appear to have lost hope. The situation with Deshaun Watson seems to worsen each week, as he appears mentally disengaged from the game.
Cooper looks visibly frustrated with the current state of affairs and would likely welcome the opportunity to join a team like the Chiefs. Additionally, since the Browns converted much of his salary into a signing bonus that wouldn’t carry over if he’s traded, it suggests that Cleveland is open to moving him.
2. Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers
Diontae Johnson, 28, is currently on a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. He had three straight seasons with over 80 receptions for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2020 to 2022, but poor quarterback play last season diminished his production. Now, he’s in a challenging situation with the Panthers.
While Johnson isn’t the typical number-one wide receiver, he has shown that he can be an elite target for short to intermediate routes, consistently getting open. His current cap hit might be too high for the Chiefs, but they could create cap space or negotiate a new deal as part of a trade.
When I first listed ten potential wide receiver trade targets, I noted that Carolina might be reluctant to trade Johnson, as he has clearly been their top receiver. They might want him around if they decide to continue with Bryce Young. However, the Panthers have two young receivers, Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo, who are already getting playing time, and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker emerged last week, leading the team in receptions and yards during their Week 5 game.
With the Panthers now sitting at 1-4 and holding the worst point differential in the NFL after five weeks, they could be looking to sell. If they feel they have three young receivers to build around, they may consider trading Johnson.
3. Darius Slayton, New York Giants
If the Chiefs want a proven veteran, but don’t want to give up the draft capital it would take to get a bigger name like Amari Cooper or Diontae Johnson, Darius Slayton is the best of the “second tier” options. The 27-year-old has been a consistent producer for the Giants despite having pretty abysmal quarterback play. He’s put up over 700 yards in four of his five seasons in New York and is on pace to do so again this season. His cap number is just a little more than what K.C. has in space available, but I’m sure they could find a way to make the numbers work.
This past week, the Giants were able to showcase Slayton’s upside for potential buyers. With rookie sensation Malik Nabers in the team’s concussion protocol, Slayton stepped up and had 8 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown. The Giants are 2-3, but don’t look like a serious playoff contender this season. Plus, they have a trio of young wideouts in Nabers, Wan’dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt that they could use as their top three options if he is dealt.
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