This year's NFL trade deadline fell during the Kansas City Chiefs' bye week. Rather than sell off picks to bolster the Chiefs' odds of being a Super Bowl threat, general manager Brett Veach stood pat, opting to march forward with what he has, hoping it'll be enough for head coach Andy Reid to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.
Although the quiet trade deadline was somewhat disappointing, it wasn't for a lack of trying. On Sunday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Chiefs "made a late, strong push to acquire Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe." Schefter added that it looked like the trade was going to go through, but "Seattle opted to hold on to Mafe."
A gifted defender like Mafe would've made the Chiefs' defense even better, no doubt. Fortunately, just because a trade for the Seahawks LB didn't come into fruition earlier this week doesn't mean the former 2022 second-rounder won't eventually make his way to Kansas City.
Chiefs Could Target Boye Mafe in Free Agency
Shortly after Schefter's report, A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman floated around the idea that the Chiefs could target Mafe when he hits free agency in March. The 26-year-old's rookie contract expires after the 2025 campaign, and even though the Seahawks opted to keep him through the deadline, it doesn't mean that an extension is guaranteed.
With Leo Chenal and Jack Cochrane playing on expiring contracts, the Chiefs' LB room might require some juice in the offseason. That's without mentioning how fan-favorite disruptor Drue Tranquill is now in his 30s, and his contract will be up after the 2026 season. It's easy to see why Mafe was already on Kansas City's radar and could be again in free agency.
Mafe has been one of the NFL's more entertaining pass rushers in recent years, racking up 18.0 sacks and nine pass break-ups through his first three seasons. Having said that, he's having a down year (zero sacks in eight games), which is likely why the Chiefs thought he'd be attainable earlier this week. If he can't turn things around down the stretch, the Seahawks might not be as eager to re-sign him.
Whether he has a strong finish to the season or not, Mafe is still someone that Kansas City should consider pursuing. He only turns 27 years old at the end of the month, meaning there's plenty of time for him to play his best brand of football. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could be the perfect mind to help unlock the ex-Minnesota Golden Gopher's potential, much like he did for Tranquill when he joined the Chiefs after four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
OverTheCap has the Chiefs projected to be more than $42.8 million over the 2026 salary cap, meaning money must be shuffled if they want to pursue Mafe (or any free agent). Restructuring a few contracts to sign the veteran LB could be worth it, though, especially if the Chiefs are confident that moving to Kansas City will take his game to the next level.
There are about four months until the start of the NFL's 2026 free agency period, giving K.C. fans plenty of time to fantasize about just how good Mafe would look in a Chiefs jersey at Arrowhead Stadium next season.