The Kansas City Chiefs were clearly in the market for help at wide receiver going into this past Sunday's 20-3 loss in Seattle. After seeing just how hopeless the offense is when Kenneth Walker III isn't the best player on the field, it's clear that there needs to be a new level of desperation when it comes to addressing the issue at pass-catcher.
This leads us to Tampa Bay, where veteran Chris Godwin has been pointed to as a potential trade target, leading to some speculation that Kansas City could be a fit.
At first glance, this makes sense, as Godwin is a Super Bowl champion and more than capable of delivering in big moments. The issue comes when you look a bit deeper at the contract situation and the history of the Kansas City front office. Godwin is an undeniable risk at age 30, with a long injury history.
This has shown up in Godwin's production, as the once-explosive receiver has been limited to 243 receiving yards this season and is yet to score a touchdown. Adding to the case against the move is a contract that costs $16 million to shed in the 2027 season if Godwin's player option isn't picked up.
As desperate as the Chiefs are to find an answer beyond current options, you cannot argue that Godwin fits what Kansas City typically targets or that the receiver won't simply add to the team's current problems. There is also the factor of the receiver's best seasons coming alongside Mike Evans, who clearly is the ultimate distraction and allowed an easier path for a younger Godwin.
Chiefs must avoid panic trade for Chris Godwin despite clear positional need
Godwin is far less appealing as a trade target in comparison to many of the other options the Chiefs could acquire. Looking around the league, it is easy to find a handful of options that come with both a higher upside and a lower contract cost for Kansas City. Add in the fact that Rashee Rice is expected to return, and the Chiefs can afford to bide their time until after Sunday's game.
This isn't to say that urgency isn't required. It is. But with a win on Sunday, the Chiefs would be in a firm position to win the AFC West race and have time to sit back and find the best possible answer. Godwin clearly doesn't fit this description based on the contract situation and injury concerns that aren't going to get any better as the pass catcher continues to age.
Kansas City needs to make a move, but it must be one that proves to be a long-term answer and not bring more injury concerns. Godwin isn't the right fit or the type of move fans should expect from Brett Veach and the KC front office ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.
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