The Kansas City Chiefs are always a team that draws attention, not just for their on-field performances but also for the strategic moves they make off the field.

As we approach the 2024 NFL trade deadline, scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th, rumors and speculation are swirling about potential roster moves the Chiefs might make to bolster their squad for another Super Bowl run.

While the trade deadline is still a few weeks away, the NFL landscape is starting to take shape, and with only nine undefeated teams left, the line between buyers and sellers is becoming more apparent.

One of the most significant talking points recently has come from ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who identified several potential trade candidates around the league, highlighting players who could be on the move before the deadline.

Among the teams mentioned as possible buyers, the Chiefs stood out as a franchise looking to strengthen their roster.

While Graziano floated four players as potential fits for Kansas City, one name stood out: Carolina Panthers wide receiver Deontay Johnson.

The mention of Johnson in connection with the Chiefs has sparked considerable interest, particularly because Kansas City previously showed interest in him earlier this year.

Back in March, the Chiefs reportedly explored a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire Johnson, but the Steelers ultimately chose to send him to the NFC’s Carolina Panthers rather than trading him within the AFC.

This decision was not entirely surprising, as teams are often reluctant to trade talented players to conference rivals, especially one like the Chiefs, who have consistently been Super Bowl contenders.

Johnson’s situation in Carolina has not been ideal. In the first two games of the season, he has only managed five catches for 34 yards, a disappointing output for a player of his caliber.

However, this lack of production is more reflective of the Panthers’ struggles at the quarterback position than it is of Johnson’s talent.

With Carolina off to a rough start this season, it’s possible that the Panthers could look to offload Johnson’s $3.5 million salary in exchange for draft capital.

This move would allow the Panthers to begin retooling for the future while giving Johnson a fresh start in a more stable offensive system.

For the Chiefs, acquiring Johnson could be the missing piece they’ve been searching for in their wide receiver room.

The team’s interest in bolstering the receiver position makes sense, especially with Hollywood Brown likely sidelined for most of the 2024 season.

While Kansas City has found success utilizing their existing group of receivers, adding a player with Johnson’s skill set would give Patrick Mahomes another reliable target in the passing game, especially as the Chiefs look to keep their offense firing on all cylinders heading into the latter part of the season.

In addition to wide receiver, there have been murmurs about the Chiefs exploring the running back market, though this seems less likely.

Graziano mentioned Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders and New York Giants running back Devin Singletary as potential trade candidates for the Chiefs.

However, Kansas City’s running back situation is already well-managed with a committee approach, featuring Carson Steele, Samaje Perine, and Kareem Hunt.

While starting running back Isaiah Pacheco is currently sidelined, the Chiefs have shown they can effectively manage the run game without a feature back, making it unlikely that they will use valuable assets to acquire another running back at the deadline.

The Chiefs’ committee approach at running back has been a hallmark of their offensive success, allowing them to keep their backs fresh and adaptable depending on game situations.

With Pacheco expected to return at some point in the season, and the emergence of Carson Steele as a reliable option, it’s difficult to imagine Kansas City diverting resources away from more pressing needs to add another back to the rotation.

Still, the NFL is a league where depth matters, and if the Chiefs were to make a surprise move for a running back, it would likely be for a player they believe could add a unique dimension to their offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, Graziano pointed out New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones as a possible trade target for the Chiefs.

Jones, a versatile and experienced defensive back, would certainly bolster any secondary he joins, but it’s unclear whether Kansas City needs additional help at cornerback.

The Chiefs’ current cornerback duo of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson has been solid, forming a reliable CB1 and CB2 pairing.

Behind them, Josh Williams, Nazeeh Johnson, and Shamari Conner have provided valuable depth, ensuring that Kansas City’s secondary remains a strong point on defense.

Unless the Chiefs’ secondary performance takes a sudden and drastic dip, a trade for a cornerback seems unnecessary.

McDuffie has shown significant growth in his role, while Watson continues to prove that he is more than capable of handling starting responsibilities.

The depth behind them also ensures that Kansas City is well-equipped to handle injuries or any other challenges that may arise as the season progresses.

Still, if the Chiefs were to make a move in the secondary, it would likely be to acquire a player with high upside who can contribute immediately, and Jonathan Jones fits that profile.

One area where the Chiefs may need to make a move, however, is at the edge rusher position.

While Graziano did not specifically mention this as a pressing need for Kansas City, it’s a position worth monitoring as the trade deadline approaches.

The Chiefs are still awaiting the return of defensive end Charles Omenihu, who was suspended for the first six games of the season.

Omenihu’s return should provide a significant boost to Kansas City’s pass rush, but until then, the team may consider adding reinforcements.

The Chiefs did acquire Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals during roster cuts, but Thomas has yet to make his debut this season.

If Kansas City decides they need more production from their edge rushers, they could explore trade options to add depth and versatility to the position.

A strong pass rush is crucial to the Chiefs’ defensive success, especially when facing elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson in the AFC.

Adding an experienced edge rusher could give Kansas City the extra firepower they need to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

As the Chiefs continue to navigate the season and prepare for the trade deadline, it’s clear that they are in an enviable position.

They are one of the few undefeated teams remaining in the NFL, and they have the luxury of being able to selectively target areas of need rather than being forced into desperation trades.

The potential acquisition of Deontay Johnson would certainly be a headline-grabbing move, but the Chiefs have options across the board if they choose to be aggressive at the deadline.

One of the key factors in determining whether Kansas City makes a big splash will be the health of their current roster.

If key players like Pacheco and Omenihu return to form and contribute at a high level, the Chiefs may not feel the need to make any significant moves.

However, if injuries continue to mount or certain positions underperform, general manager Brett Veach has shown in the past that he’s not afraid to pull the trigger on a trade that could put the team over the top.

In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs are in a prime position as the 2024 NFL trade deadline approaches.

While they have no glaring weaknesses, the potential to add a talented wide receiver like Deontay Johnson or reinforce their pass rush could make them even more formidable.

The Chiefs’ ability to maintain their status as Super Bowl contenders depends not only on their performance on the field but also on their front office’s ability to make smart, calculated decisions when it comes to roster construction.

Whether or not Kansas City makes a move at the deadline remains to be seen, but fans can rest assured that the Chiefs will do whatever it takes to remain at the top of the NFL hierarchy.