The Kansas City Chiefs have a handful of needs ahead of this year's trade deadline and every reason to be incredibly aggressive. This is especially true coming off a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, when every 2026 concern was exposed, ending what had been a great start to the season. With this in mind, it is fair to expect the front office to explore ways to improve the current pass rush and search for veteran pieces that could help breathe life back into the unit.
For weeks, pressure rate has been the topic of conversation when discussing the Chiefs' lack of sacks. The thought was that with how Kansas City pressures the quarterback, that soon enough it would start to turn into sacks. But now, a third way into the season, and it's just not happening.
Which is why Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers might be a perfect trade target. Typically, trading with a division rival would be a big red flag, but the 0-6 Chargers have no hope this year and would be smart to get off an aging veteran with still some value left.
Creating cap space for Mack can be accomplished, and he has shown he is still capable of getting to the quarterback with 3.0 sacks so far on the season. While the production might be fading in comparison to the defender's past, the ability to impact games remains.
Looking at the current construction of the Chiefs roster, if there is one concern defensively, it is the lack of a game wrecker. Chris Jones and George Karlaftis were both expected to step into this role, but Jones has regressed, while Karlaftis has picked up steam but remains a quality number-two option.
Chiefs should consider surprise trade with AFC West rival to land Pass rusher Khalil Mack
Mack offered 17.0 sacks in the 2023 season and has made it a habit to create negative plays and offer turnover opportunities even at this late stage of his career. The defender isn't going to make waves or have any problem fitting into the defense of Steve Spagnuolo. If anything, it would be an upgrade that allowed the Chiefs to put together a surprise pass-rushing run built around the veteran.
No question; if the Chargers are willing to consider a deal within the division, the Chiefs should attempt to get the deal done. Even at 35, Mack is an impact player and can be sold on the move to Kansas City based simply on the chance to compete for an elusive Super Bowl run.
While receiver might be the position that Chiefs fans are understandably focused on, edge rusher can be argued as just as big a need. Both are question marks the Chiefs need to answer in the next week, shoring up a roster that simply needs a few pieces to remain a clear Super Bowl threat.
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