It Took Chiefs Just One Week to Prove They Won't Address Major Need
By Joe Summers
Chiefs fans have been clamoring for a wide receiver trade, especially following the news that Rashee Rice will miss the entire regular season. However, JuJu Smith-Schuster's spectacular performance on Monday Night Football in Week 5 suggests no such move is coming.
From Amari Cooper to Davante Adams to DeAndre Hopkins, lots of names have been suggested as possible targets. Kansas City is reportedly out on Adams and if Smith-Schuster continues to play well, fans shouldn't expect any trades.
With Isiah Pacheco due back in a matter of weeks, Brett Veach may feel comfortable with the guys they already have given the undefeated 5-0 start.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Breakout Makes WR Trade Less Likely
This catch by Juju Smith Schuster. WOO. Mahomes is having to navigate around the defender behind him, to the side of him and at DT in front of him on how and when to throw this ball. Great adjustment by Juju. Heck of a catch . #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/B92mMRnbrN
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) October 9, 2024
Smith-Schuster caught seven passes for 130 yards to lead all players on Monday. He clearly has Patrick Mahomes' trust and looked every bit the player who had 78 catches for 933 yards back in 2022.
While injuries are always a concern, it sure looks like the passing game could be just fine with Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy leading the way. Kareem Hunt has been effective on the ground and once Pacheco's back, the Chiefs will have several skill-position players they have faith in.
Making a trade for a player like Cooper could raise the team's ceiling, but Andy Reid has talked about the difficulty of throwing someone unfamiliar with your system into the mix in the middle of the year. Consider that Kansas City would have to send away assets in a trade and it makes sense that the team would prefer to push forward without making a deal.
They've got nearly a month to make a decision before the NFL's trade deadline. Veach, Reid and their staffs will consider all options but as things stand, Smith-Schuster's signing might wind up being one of the most important decisions of the season.
If this player fares well against the 49ers in Week 7 and Raiders in Week 8, don't expect Veach to make a splash at the deadline.
More Kansas City Chiefs News:
feed