Let’s be real for a second. The Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 season was a total disaster. A 6-11 record? No playoffs for the first time in a decade? Nobody saw that coming. Not even the most cynical Raiders fans.
But here we are in January 2026. Patrick Mahomes is rehabbing a torn ACL and LCL. Travis Kelce is basically one foot out the door, possibly headed for retirement to spend more time with Taylor Swift. The "dynasty" feels more like a fixer-upper.
If Brett Veach wants to fix this before the 2026 season kicks off, he can’t just rely on the draft. He needs a proven weapon. A veteran who can walk into Arrowhead and immediately understand the madness of an Andy Reid scramble drill. That’s why the Mahomes potential WR trade is the only thing anyone in Missouri is talking about right now.
Why the status quo isn't working anymore
The Chiefs tried the "speed over everything" approach. It worked for a while. Then it didn't. Xavier Worthy has the wheels, sure, but he’s basically a track star in pads. He struggled in his sophomore slump, and while he’s a great piece, he isn't a true WR1.
Then there’s Rashee Rice.
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Honestly, the Rice situation is a mess. Between the legal troubles stemming from that 2024 crash and the more recent domestic abuse allegations from early January 2026, his future in KC is a giant question mark. You can’t build a franchise on a guy who might not even be allowed in the building.
The Chiefs finished with a losing record because they lacked a chain-mover. A guy who can catch a five-yard slant on 3rd-and-4 when the defense is bracketting Kelce. Without that, Mahomes was forced to play "hero ball," which eventually led to the hits that blew out his knee in Week 15.
The Names on the Radar: Who is actually available?
If you’re looking at a Mahomes potential WR trade, you aren't looking for a project. You’re looking for a star.
Garrett Wilson is the name that keeps popping up in league circles. The Jets are a sinking ship, and Wilson is entering that "pay me or trade me" phase of his career. He’s exactly what Reid’s offense lacks: a technician who creates separation at all three levels. Imagine Wilson in the slot with Worthy clearing out the deep safety. It’s a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.
Then there’s the "buy low" candidate: A.J. Brown.
Wait, really? Yeah. The rumors out of Philly are getting loud. After the Eagles' lackluster finish and Brown's visible frustration on the sidelines, some insiders believe the Eagles might move him to recoup draft capital. Brown caught only three passes in his last playoff appearance. His stock is "low" by his standards, though he’d still cost the Chiefs a massive chunk of change—likely a first-round pick and more.
If the Chiefs want to go the veteran route without breaking the bank, Jakobi Meyers is a sleeper hit. He’s not "sexy." He doesn't have 4.2 speed. But he catches everything. In an offense that just needs to keep the sticks moving to protect a recovering Mahomes, a reliable possession receiver is worth his weight in gold.
Can the Chiefs afford a massive trade?
This is where things get tricky. The salary cap is a monster, and the Chiefs are already paying Mahomes a king's ransom.
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To make a trade happen, someone big probably has to leave. There’s already talk about the Chiefs potentially trading Trent McDuffie. It sounds insane. He’s an All-Pro corner! But he’s also 25 and due for a contract that will reset the market. If Veach thinks he can replace McDuffie’s production with a cheaper rookie and use that savings to land a WR1, he’ll do it in a heartbeat.
He did it with Tyreek Hill. He’ll do it again.
The Draft vs. The Trade
Look, the Chiefs have the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They could stay put and take someone like Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State or Carnell Tate from Ohio State. Tyson is a beast—1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns over the last two years. He’s 6’2” and runs routes like a ten-year vet.
But can you trust a rookie to save Mahomes' comeback season?
Probably not.
History shows that veteran receivers thrive under Mahomes because they know how to find the "dead spots" in a zone when the play breaks down. A rookie is still learning where to line up. A guy like Garrett Wilson already knows where the ball is going before Mahomes even throws it.
What happens next for the Chiefs?
The clock is ticking. Free agency starts soon, and the draft is right around the corner. If the Chiefs are going to make a splash, it has to happen before the summer.
Next Steps for Kansas City's Front Office:
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- Evaluate the Medicals: Before trading for a WR, the Chiefs have to be 100% certain Mahomes will be ready for Week 1. If he’s not, they might pivot to a run-heavy approach with someone like Jeremiyah Love.
- The McDuffie Leverage: Use the Trent McDuffie trade rumors to see if a team like the Jets or Eagles will bite. If you can swap an elite corner for an elite receiver plus picks, you take that deal.
- The Kelce Factor: If Travis retires, the WR need becomes an emergency. The Chiefs would need to trade for a veteran and draft a tight end like Kenyon Sadiq to fill the void.
- Clear the Deck: Cut ties with underperforming vets like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquise Brown to free up the cap space needed for a top-tier contract extension.
The dynasty isn't dead, but it’s definitely in the shop for repairs. A Mahomes potential WR trade isn't just a luxury anymore—it's a necessity for survival in a division that’s suddenly much tougher than it used to be.