The Kansas City Chiefs are unquestionably not going to be considered sellers during this year's NFL trade deadline. One that is set for November 4th at 4:00 PM EST, giving KC plenty of time to get needed deals done to improve the roster. One of the biggest areas of speculation and concern is going to be in the Chiefs' backfield. Isiah Pacheco hasn't rebounded from last season's injury as expected, and rookie Brashard Smith hasn't been able to consistently crack the rotation as hoped. Leaving the very real possibility that we see a blockbuster addition at the position.
One that is going to require a corresponding move that will likely be veteran Kareem Hunt being included in the trade. Hunt has failed to average more than 4.0 yards per carry this season and has been reduced to being used as a short-yardage weapon. The veteran is nowhere close to the force he once was, and is a big part of the issues in the current rushing attack. However, there is the possibility that whoever deals a playmaker to Kansas City is going to want a piece in return.
Chiefs Increasingly Likely to Trade Away Limited Veteran Playmaker Kareem Hunt
Draft picks will be the main compensation in a potential upgrade, but including Hunt in the deal clears room for the incoming back and leaves Pacheco and Smith as higher upside secondary options. Leaving it very much on the table that Hunt's time with Kansas City is coming to an end. This is evidenced by fewer than 200 rushing yards with 164 on the season. The only value still offered is the ability to convert in short-yardage situations.
This gives very limited trade value in a potential deal while leaving the Chiefs no option but to search for an upgrade. There is still a chance Pacheco is able to turn back the clock to his first season, and Smith is a bit of an unknown, even with the underwhelming start. With this in mind, it makes the most sense to part ways with Hunt when adding an upgrade.
With that said, there is also the chance that Hunt isn't dealt, but becomes a roster cut in the next weeks of the season. All signs point to a move being made it just isn't clear how the two sides will part ways or where the Chiefs will find a potential upgrade.
Regardless, the 2-3 start should be a wakeup call for GM Brett Veach to make a move in the next days of the season. Even with Rashee Rice returning, this is a roster in need of more skill players to help Patrick Mahomes. Setting up a clear exit for the Kansas City veteran.