The AFC West was shaken up earlier this week as the Kansas City Chiefs sat back and watched while the Denver Broncos landed Jaylen Waddle. While the trade is a clear source of frustration for the rest of the AFC West, it has created a potential opportunity for the Chiefs.
ESPN's Benjamin Solak noted the potential fallout from the trade, leading fans to consider whether a trade with a division rival could become a legitimate possibility.
""The Broncos now have Jaylen Waddle, Marvin Mims, and Troy Franklin. With Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant in hand, gotta imagine they'll hear trade calls on Mims and Franklin.""Benjamin Solak
There is no question that if the Broncos are willing to trade Marvin Mims, the Chiefs should be on the phone attempting to get a deal done. The explosive receiver is incredibly flexible in how he can be utilized and offers game-breaking speed that the Kansas City offense would unquestionably benefit from. Mims finished the 2025 season with 400 scrimmage yards and appeared to be underutilized based on his speed and the ability to create big plays.
For the Chiefs, it is important to add depth as Tyquan Thornton is coming off an outlier season, and Rashee Rice is facing off-the-field concerns. Adding Mims would be a huge step in this direction, offering the Chiefs a weapon they could easily utilize, no matter which version of these other players show up for the 2026 season.
Chiefs Should Attempt to Land Division Rival Marvin Mims After Jaylen Waddle Trade
The one obvious issue with this potential deal is that the Broncos are likely going to be hesitant to deal Mims within the division, especially to Kansas City. While it isn't impossible, it is clear that Denver views itself as the favorite in the division after years of watching the Chiefs dominate. There has to be a piece of this that weighs against Kansas City when it comes to striking a potential deal for Mims.
Still, the effort should be there considering the potential fit for Mims with the Chiefs. Having specifically designed plays for his speed and playing alongside Patrick Mahomes would unquestionably be the boost the playmaker needs to enjoy a breakout season. If Kansas City were able to get its hands on the receiver, there is no doubt that the Broncos are going to regret the move.
While this remains a difficult trade to pull off, it makes sense for Kansas City to explore and for Denver to at least consider it as they deal with a suddenly crowded receiver room. The Chiefs need to add to the position, and the Broncos are handing them that opportunity if they are willing to come to the table and negotiate with a division rival.