Chiefs (potential) wide receiver targets

The Chiefs' pursuit of a three-peat would undoubtedly benefit from adding a competent wide receiver to enhance a lackluster group. In this piece, I’ll detail seven receiver targets, ranked from most likely to most exciting.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling | Likelihood: B+ | Excitement: F

Jump scare warning: I know, MVS isn’t exactly synonymous with flawless receiver play, and he hasn't been revered during his time in Kansas City. But is this move ‘Veachy’? Yes. Marquez is currently an underachieving member of the Buffalo Bills wide receiver corps, and while Buffalo may hesitate to deal with a direct rival like Kansas City, they’d likely be pleased to see the back of MVS and would almost certainly deal him for a pick of any kind.

The best approach for the Chiefs might be to wait for Buffalo to potentially cut the 29-year-old. Whatever your opinion on MVS, he’s a vet who knows Andy Reid’s system and has made some big plays in big moments for KC.

Amari Cooper | Likelihood: B | Excitement: B+

If I were a betting man, I'd probably put my money on Amari Cooper to the Chiefs over any other receiver. Weird, right? Especially since I've already called it less likely than an MVS reunion. That's me using my head. But in my gut? I feel Amari. Cooper is a prime trade candidate in Cleveland, and let's face it—Cleveland’s season is a train wreck with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. The Browns are stuck in a stinker, and moving off an aging vet is not just smart business; it’s the right thing to do for Cooper. Keeping him chained to this dumpster fire any longer would be criminal.

A late-round pick should be enough to get the deal done for Kansas City, making Cooper a short-term rental for less money—perfect for the Chiefs. And despite Cleveland's offensive woes, Cooper’s still balling, racking up 208 yards and two scores on 20 catches through five games. That’s impressive considering the mess he's in.

Assuming Hollywood Brown returns for the playoffs, a Cooper addition could give Kansas City a lethal receiving corps when it matters most.

Jonathan Mingo | Likelihood: C | Excitement: C

If MVS is a ‘Veachy’ move, then Mingo might just be the ‘Veachiest’ move possible. A high second-round pick from the Carolina Panthers in 2023, the 23-year-old hasn’t produced much during his time in the NFC South. A highly regarded prospect out of Ole Miss, Mingo possesses a large frame and a solid athletic profile, able to play both outside and in the slot.

However, pre-draft concerns about his lack of burst and separation ability seem to have been well-founded, as Mingo struggles to rack up consistent production. Similar to the Kadarius Toney trade in 2022, the Chiefs would likely part with a mid to late-round pick to take a flyer on the young wideout, who hasn’t exactly had a fair shot due to Bryce Young’s poor QB play.

The fact that the Panthers drafted Xavier Legette this offseason—who has already come in and outperformed Mingo—might mean Carolina would consider dealing him. However, they could also choose to assess him longer with better QB play. In any case, the Chiefs would probably have to be patient on this one, waiting for the trade deadline before Carolina feels comfortable moving him.

Diontae Johnson | Likelihood: C | Excitement: B+

Diontae Johnson, now playing in Carolina, could still be a target for Kansas City after they flirted with a trade during the offseason. Pittsburgh, in questionable fashion, decided not to deal with a direct AFC contender, sending Johnson to the NFC South instead. But the Panthers may be more open to dealing with the Chiefs. If Carolina decides to blow things up and collect assets for a rebuild, the 28-year-old Johnson might be available for a bargain—think a third- to fifth-round pick.

Johnson would be the best route runner for Kansas City since Tyreek Hill. While Hill relied on his speed and cutting ability, Johnson is a smooth, fluid runner who would consistently get open for Patrick Mahomes.

Cooper Kupp | Likelihood: D | Excitement: D

A few years ago, this would’ve sounded absurd. In 2021, Cooper Kupp won NFL Offensive Player of the Year, amassing 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns on 145 receptions—arguably the greatest season ever by a wide receiver, capped off with a Super Bowl victory. Since then, Kupp hasn’t reached those heights, failing to break 1,000 yards due to both injuries and a decline in potency. With the Rams now sitting at 1-4 and their playoff hopes on life support, Los Angeles might look to trade their 31-year-old star to gain assets for a rebuild.

Kupp, if he could stay healthy, would be a lethal weapon for Mahomes, potentially bolstering the Chiefs' three-peat hopes. But the cost in both salary and lingering injury concerns may make Kansas City think twice before pulling the trigger on such a deal. Despite the upside, it’s likely the Chiefs steer clear of Kupp.

George Pickens | Likelihood: D | Excitement: B+

Now, this one stings because everyone—your grandma included—wanted George Pickens in Kansas City two years ago when the Chiefs were on the clock at 52. Instead, they went with… well, let’s get into it (Skyy Moore).

While it’s unlikely the Steelers would trade with the Chiefs, it might actually be the best solution for all parties. Despite being 3-2 and second in the AFC North, the Steelers may foresee rough waters ahead, especially with Justin Fields not looking entirely reliable under center. Lately, Pickens has been criticized for a "lack of effort" and struggling to keep his emotions in check, maybe signaling he's checked out of the Steelers' franchise. A change of scenery could be just what’s needed. Pittsburgh could get some value in return, confident in their ability to draft receivers late, and the Chiefs could finally land a true WR1. Meanwhile, Pickens would get a much-needed reset.

The deal wouldn’t come cheap—likely a second-round pick, or something of that value—but at only 23, Pickens would be a fantastic option. He’s a big-bodied receiver with a massive catch radius, a guy Mahomes could trust to go up and get it. Considering the Chiefs’ struggles with drafting wideouts, why not grab a massive talent on a rookie contract—one they probably should’ve had in the first place?

Devante Adams | Likelihood: D | Excitement: B+

Now, onto the big one—Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams. If you’ve watched the NFL over the last decade, you know exactly who he is. Aaron Rodgers’ best buddy in Green Bay for eight years, together they formed one of the most dangerous QB-WR duos in NFL history. In 2022, after Rodgers left the Packers, the Raiders shelled out a first and second-round pick to bring in the future Hall of Famer. But with Derek Carr’s departure, Adams’ former Fresno State teammate, he’s grown increasingly frustrated in a bad Raiders team with a poor QB situation. Naturally, trade rumors have started swirling, suggesting Adams might want a fresh start.

However, that trade probably won’t be with the Chiefs. As bitter division rivals, the Raiders are unlikely to send Adams to Kansas City, even if it makes sense. Plus, Las Vegas will want a first-round pick back and would likely offload a huge chunk of Adams’ contract in the deal. While a Mahomes-Kelce-Adams combo for a season or two would be box-office stuff, it’s hard to see the Chiefs pulling the trigger on a 32-year-old star with that much baggage. For now, Kansas City will likely have to look beyond the star receiver.