Watching the Kansas City Chiefs offense operate against the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday was a clear indication of an ongoing issue that cannot go unnoticed. Even with the pending return of Rashee Rice, there is a lack of wide receiver depth that is alarming for a franchise expecting to be among the league's top Super Bowl contenders.
Xavier Worthy has put together one of the best two-game spans of his career with two straight 70-plus-yard games. He caught all seven of his targets for 73 receiving yards, flashing an ability that fans have been begging to see with any level of consistency.
However, this is where the good news ended, as Andrew Armstrong and Jalen Royals simply are not starting-level options for any amount of time. Neither receiver can find space consistently, and the lack of trust from Patrick Mahomes is clear.
Cyrus Allen caught two balls for 27 yards, showing signs of life, but the coaching staff continues to keep him in the doghouse, playing Allen just 9 snaps. This brings us to Travis Kelce, who, yes, is someone who garners Mahomes' trust like no other. But at age 37, Kelce is no longer the dominating force he once was.
Even with Kelce being able to still come up big in moments, there isn't the continual ability to take on double-digit targets and be the star playmaker. Kansas City needs to bring in a receiver to help Mahomes, and failing to do so would, frankly, be a disservice to the three-time Super Bowl MVP.
Chiefs' sense of urgency for receiver help needs to be heightened as the trade deadline nears
Looking at the trade market, there is no shortage of teams already falling out of contention that could look to shed salary or receivers that no longer fit their timeline. It shouldn't be all that difficult for Brett Veach to find a team willing to send the Chiefs a receiver for the right draft pick. As much as Kansas City leans on its picks, there is no excuse not to pull the trigger on the move.
Brian Thomas Jr. seems like the perfect candidate, but he plays on a team in the Jacksonville Jaguars, who could be in serious contention with Kansas City for AFC supremacy this year.
The Chiefs' offensive line has had its ups and downs this year, but now with two backup tackles set to start versus Seattle, the need for pass-catchers who can quickly separate has never been higher. Kenneth Walker has been the league's best running back through the first six weeks of the season, but his historical pace can only continue for so long.
For the Chiefs, it cannot be ignored just how important an addition is and how quickly it needs to be made. The front office failing such a clear task won't be ignored by a fanbase understanding just how elite this season has a chance to be.
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