The Kansas City Chiefs didn't need to make a big splash at the November 10 trade deadline, but they couldn't afford to do nothing, either. Fortunately, they came out of left field to acquire fourth-year WR Josh Downs.
While some fans probably wanted to see an even more aggressive move, the harsh truth is that it takes two teams to agree to a blockbuster trade. Also, they can still look at some free agents, including a potential Tyreek Hill reunion.
Adding Downs to the mix was a step in the right direction, and it will certainly benefit some of the guys on the roster. Others, however, might not be that happy with Brett Veach's approach at the deadline.
Kansas City had more outcomes from the trade deadline than you think
Winner: Patrick Mahomes
It may have taken much longer than expected, but the Chiefs finally gave Patrick Mahomes a reliable pass-catcher. Josh Downs should be extremely motivated to be at his best, as he's on an expiring deal, and he should be the team's WR2 and slot specialist right out of the gate. He's a bona fide weapon in third-down situations.
Loser: Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy wasted every single opportunity that was given to him. Now, he's banged up, and he will be down a spot in the pecking order when he eventually returns. Worthy can't stay healthy, and he hasn't been much of a factor when he's been cleared to play; Downs' addition is pretty much an indictment of him.
Winner: Harrison Butker
While it's not usual to see kickers being traded, Harrison Butker is clearly a big problem for the Chiefs, so they could've at least explored replacing him. He's still not in the clear — nor should he be — but at least he'll survive to see another day in Missouri. He's been one of the worst kickers in the game for two years now.
Loser: Cyrus Allen
Even though he's shown strong flashes in limited snaps, the Chiefs still refuse to give rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen a longer leash. They didn't get him on the field more often when they needed another pass catcher, so that's unlikely to change now that they've traded for Josh Downs. That feels like a mistake, though.
Winner: Felix Anudike-Uzomah
There was so much speculation about whether Felix Anudike-Uzomah would even make the team's 53-man roster, let alone survive the trade deadline. He's played the best football of his career, and the Chiefs' pass rush has been better than some might tell by the numbers. He will still likely lose a lot of snaps to R Mason Thomas, but he's safe for now.
Loser: Kristian Fulton
Kristian Fulton has played outstanding football this season, but he hasn't taken the field as often as he would like. As an expiring contract, he was a no-brainer trade target for cornerback-needy teams. Now, he'll just play whenever the Chiefs want to give star rookie Mansoor Delane a breather or if someone gets hurt.
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