Kansas City Chiefs: Three players to consider trading for at 2020 deadline

Kyle Rudolph

The Chiefs boast the best tight end in the game right now. While some claim that title belongs to San Francisco’s George Kittle, there hasn’t been a more consistent threat on the field than Travis Kelce. Kelce is the only player in NFL history with four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Over the last seven seasons, he’s also become one of the team’s leaders.

To say that Kelce has been an integral part of this team would be an understatement. He’s likely been the most consistent weapon thus far in Patrick Mahomes’ young career. After him, though, the position really lacks some needed talent. For that reason, could the Chiefs look at making a move here before the deadline?

One player, in particular, would be a certain upgrade on the Chiefs’ depth chart at the position and appears to be available. Minnesota’s Kyle Rudolph has been one of the league’s better tight ends of the last decade. The sure-handed pass catcher would offer Mahomes another incredibly reliable target and would hopefully negate some of the troubles that the Chiefs seem to have at the TE2 spot. The biggest roadblock in this scenario would be what Rudolph is getting paid.

Before the 2020 season started, the Vikings inked Rudolph to a 4-year, $36M deal. Now, they’re likely regretting that decision after a 1-5 start, especially with salary cap trouble on the horizon. This trade possibility could be halted simply because of the financials for Kansas City, but Minnesota may give up the veteran tight end for as little a late-round draft pick just to clear cap space. Could Veach reach into his bag of tricks to make this trade possibility a reality?