3 Chiefs Trade Targets Heading Into NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is one of the best times of the year to be a football fan. Not only do we get to see the next general of players realizing their dreams as they find their first professional teams, but trades are also a big part of the lead-up to draft night.

It'll be interesting to see if the Kansas City Chiefs are involved in the trade market as the NFL Draft approaches. Offseason departures and off-field issues have left the Chiefs with several glaring holes that must be addressed this offseason. Fortunately, there appear to be several trade options out there that can help cure general manager Brett Veach's headaches.

With that in mind, let's take a look at three trade targets for the Chiefs ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

1. WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

It isn't a secret that the wide receiver room is one of the Chiefs' more pressing needs this spring. Despite the success that Kansas City saw last season, the team's WRs fell short of expectations outside of Rashee Rice, whose future is up in the air due to his litany of legal issues.

Even though the Chiefs still have tight end Travis Kelce and even added veteran WR Marquise Brown via free agency, there's always room for improvement. That's why Kansas City should target Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins ahead of the NFL Draft.

Higgins sent shockwaves across the league when he requested a trade from the Bengals back in March. The 25-year-old playmaker has enjoyed his time in Cincinnati thus far, but the lack of a long-term extension forced him to seek other options. He "anticipates" playing for the Bengals in 2024 despite his request, but we all know things around the NFL can change with the flick of a switch.

If Higgins is still available, the Chiefs would be foolish not to target him. Even though the 2023 campaign was a down year by his standards, his track record speaks for itself after having turned 257 receptions in 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns over the last four seasons.

Trading for Higgins might not come cheap, but we also saw the Los Angeles Charges trade away Keenan Allen for a fourth-round pick. I'm not saying it'll be that cheap to land Higgins, who's seven years younger than the veteran, but the price could be cheaper than expected.

2. S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

The Chiefs' secondary took a hit when they traded star cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans. While Kansas City still boasts solid defensive backs like Trent McDuffie, Chamarri Conner, and Justin Reid, it wouldn't hurt to add another playmaker to the mix.

That's why the Chiefs must target the Arizona Cardinals' Budda Baker.

Baker — a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro safety — has found himself in trade rumors yet again. Rumors of a potential trade emerged last summer when Baker and the Cardinals couldn't agree on a long-term extension. Fast forward to now when CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin predicts that the veteran defender could be traded ahead of next week's draft.

"If [the Cardinals] can get a solid pick in return [for Baker], they might prefer another younger investment on a seemingly ascending unit. Baker's versatility and physical punch, meanwhile, could be appealing to teams more suited to contend.
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CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin

Even though the 2023 campaign was a down year by Baker's standards, a move to Kansas City could be beneficial. He's still one of the best safeties in the league (proven by his five consecutive Pro Bowl nods) and I wouldn't be shocked if playing for the Chiefs helps him return to his All-Pro form.

Baker is signed through the 2024 season with a $19 million cap hit, which isn't an issue for the Chiefs, who have $20 million in space (per Spotrac). They'd likely be willing to sign him for the long term if he arrives as advertised, but I also wouldn't mind risking him sticking around for only one year if it means pulling off the NFL's first-ever three-peat.

3. Opportunity to Move Up in the 2024 NFL Draft

If the Chiefs are looking to make a trade ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, it doesn't have to be for a player. After all, there's always the possibility that Veach & Co. could find an opportunity to move up in the draft order.

I think that trading up at the NFL Draft must be something that the Chiefs consider. While they can certainly find an impact player at No. 32, they might have to go with the best player available rather than someone who directly addresses their needs.

I'm not saying that the Chiefs will do something unrealistic like trade into the top 10, but I wouldn't be surprised if they move into the early-to-mid 20s. Names like Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, Clemson CB Nate Wiggins, and LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. are all prospects that could fall in that range and could help the Chiefs as early as next season.

Chances are that game-changers on their level won't be available at the end of Round 1.

The Chiefs also have enough capital to pull off a move-up. They still have 13 picks across the next two NFL Drafts, which includes eight in the first four rounds. The cost will vary depending on how high the Chiefs want to ascend, but there's a way where there's a will.

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