The Kansas City Chiefs have had their fair share of roster changes this season, with injuries sidelining key playmakers like Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, and Isiah Pacheco. But just when it seemed like the reigning Super Bowl champions were in need of a boost, they made a move that raised eyebrows across the NFL.
According to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the Chiefs finalized a trade with the Tennessee Titans to acquire five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins. This veteran wide receiver is set to become the new No. 1 target for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
At 32 years old, Hopkins brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Chiefs’ offense. In exchange for the seasoned wideout, Kansas City sent a conditional fifth-round draft pick to Tennessee. However, if the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl and Hopkins plays 60% of the snaps, the pick could escalate to a fourth-rounder. Additionally, the Titans will cover $2.5 million of Hopkins’ remaining salary, as reported by NFL.com.
Despite previous reports that indicated Hopkins was content to stay with the struggling Titans, ESPN revealed that the trade was not initiated by Tennessee. This goes to show that in the NFL, deals can materialize regardless of public statements made by players or teams.
The Chiefs’ need for receiving firepower became even more apparent after recent injuries to JuJu Smith-Schuster and the team’s top receivers, Brown and Rice. With a depleted receiving corps, rookie Xavier Worthy was left to lead alongside backups Justin Watson and Skyy Moore.
Although Hopkins has dealt with his fair share of injuries, including an MCL injury earlier this year, he has proven to be a reliable target when healthy. His impressive track record includes surpassing 1,000 receiving yards as the Titans’ top receiver in 2023, as well as achieving six 1,000-yard seasons during his time with the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals.
This trade has the potential to shake up the AFC landscape and could provide the Chiefs with the boost they need as they strive to defend their Super Bowl title. Stay tuned for more updates as Hopkins joins forces with Mahomes and the high-flying Kansas City offense.
