For the first time since 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs have lost four games in a season. That was quarterback Patrick Mahomes' second season as a starter, when the Chiefs finished 12-4 in the regular season before beating the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.
This time, however, things might not go as smoothly. The Chiefs will enter their bye week sitting on a 5-4 record, and they still have some tough games ahead of them in the second half of the season. That's why, after their heartbreaking 28-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, they need to make some moves, and the New York Jets could offer some answers.
Chiefs Must Call Jets for Breece Hall Trade
With the 2025 NFL trade deadline coming up on Tuesday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach should be on the phone with the Jets right now, as they may hold the answer to this team's prayers on their roster. After Sunday's loss, the need for a playmaking running back like Breece Hall was painfully evident.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Jets are open to trading Hall. He's eligible to sign a contract extension and will likely leave in free agency, so they know they can't ask for that much in return:
"The Jets have been getting calls on RB Breece Hall for a while, and while there is interest, New York is looking for at least a third-round pick in return," wrote Russini on Saturday.
Hall has been tangled up in trade rumors dating to the offseason, and the Chiefs have long been tabbed as a perfect destination. They don't have a true workhorse running back right now, and while Isiah Pacheco's injury isn't expected to keep him out for the long run, Hall would be an upgrade over everybody on the roster.
Rookie Brashard Smith barely played in the loss to the Bills, logging just three carries for seven yards. Kareem Hunt was slightly better with 11 carries for 49 yards and one touchdown, but he's clearly not the tackle-breaking machine he was in his prime. Meanwhile, Hall would provide the backfield with a boost after racking up 581 rushing yards on 117 carries, 178 receiving yards on 21 catches, and two touchdowns so far.
Jets' Jermaine Johnson Could Be Another Chiefs Trade Target
If the Chiefs are confident that Pacheco's eventual return will get the backfield back on track, they should at least inquire about Johnson to aid their pass rush. Per Russini, Kansas City is trying to bolster the defensive line, and the veteran disruptor would be an attainable pickup who can be a long-term solution next to George Karlafatis.
The Chiefs sacked Josh Allen three times for a loss of 10 yards, but the reigning MVP had a clean pocket for most of the game, completing 23 of 26 passes for 273 yards, one passing touchdown, and a passer rating of 123.2. Having Johnson in the mix would've helped, as he's generated 14 pressures in five games with the Jets, according to Pro Football Focus.
With the bye arriving in Week 10, the Chiefs will have another week to rest, restore their bodies, and regroup to get better for the second half of the season. And if they're truly committed to getting back to the top, they need to make some moves before Tuesday's trade deadline goes into effect, beginning with a call to the Jets.