The Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions, are addressing a critical need before the NFL trade deadline by acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In the trade, the Chiefs will give the Titans a conditional fifth-round pick in 2025, which could elevate to a fourth-round selection if Kansas City reaches the Super Bowl and Hopkins plays at least 60% of the snaps.
Despite currently being the only undefeated team in the league, the Chiefs are facing challenges in their receiving corps due to injuries affecting Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had only two healthy receivers, rookie Xavier Worthy and veteran Justin Watson, leading up to the trade.
In the 2024 season, Hopkins has recorded 15 receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown, with his standout performance being six catches for 73 yards and a score against the Green Bay Packers in a loss while playing for the struggling 1-5 Titans.
With the addition of Hopkins, alongside tight end Travis Kelce, Kansas City aims to enhance their passing game in pursuit of becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.
The Chiefs’ next challenge will be a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders, a division rival.