Chiefs Predicted to Trade for $100 Million WR Before Deadline
The Kansas City Chiefs head into Week 5 undefeated. However, none of these wins have been pretty, and the Chiefs face the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football with a heavily depleted offense.
Surrounding Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with reliable wide receivers was the team's top priority this offseason. While they landed Marquise "Hollywood" Brown in free agency, he hit injured reserve before the season started. After Rashee Rice, the team's No. 1 wide receiver went down in Week 4, Kansas City's offense is officially in trouble.
If the Chiefs are serious about a historic Super Bowl three-peat, they need to make a move to add a legit weapon.While Davante Adams trade rumors swirl, numerous insiders noted that the chances of Las Vegas dealing the superstar wide receiver to a team within their division, particularly the Chiefs, are close to zero.
However, there's another huge name circulating on the trade market, one that makes perfect sense for the Chiefs.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini named Cleveland Browns veteran Amari Cooper as the top name she's "keeping an eye on" for the Chiefs.
Russini wrote on Oct. 5, "In the past two seasons, Kansas City has acquired wide receivers at the deadline: Kadarius Toney in 2022 and Mecole Hardman in '23. Those trades paid off, too - each receiver played critical roles in Super Bowl victories a few months after being acquired.
"The question now: Will the Chiefs roll the dice again as they chase a three-peat?" While Russini also named Tennessee Titan's DeAndre Hopkins and Jacksonville Jaguars' Christian Kirk as options among others, she listed Cooper's name first.
The five-time Pro Bowler, who registered 72 reception for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns last year, is in the midst of the worst statistical season of his career. Cooper and Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson can't seem to get on the same page as they enter Week 5 with a 3-1 record.
Cooper, at age 30, has never won a Super Bowl, therefore, joining the Chiefs is likely a very attractive option for the Alabama alum. Financially speaking, Cooper would make a seamless fit for the Chiefs. Before the season started, the Browns restructured Cooper's five-year, $100 million contract, which he originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Therefore, Cooper has an easily absorbable base salary of just $1.2 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2025. If the Browns can't start stacking wins, and don't plan to re-sign Cooper next season, they might as well try to get something in return before his exit.
Related: Chiefs Make Surprising Roster Announcement Before Week 5This story was originally published October 5, 2024, 2:55 PM.
