Missing Link: Names Chiefs May Consider At Trade Deadline

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We are exactly one week away from the 2022 NFL trade deadline. So far, we have already seen two running backs get moved in recent days. James Robinson goes from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the New York Jets, following the season-ending injury to Breece Hall. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey went from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers, making his debut last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Most years, there are very few trades made at the NFL trade deadline. There are some years where rebuilding squads simply reach a breaking point with older or high-priced players. In the end, contenders are always looking out for that final missing link. The chance to add one more solid contributor could be crucial during hopes of a Super Bowl run. Overall, the Chiefs are one of those teams who are surrounded by these trade deadline headlines.

There is also the rumor of Odell Beckham Jr. He would not have to be acquired at the trade deadline, given that he is currently a free agent. Watch out for another possible article on OBJ and KC possibly coming to an agreement.

Today, we will be listing five names that Kansas City may consider at the 2022 trade deadline. The Chiefs clearest hole or lack of depth appears to be pass rush help. As a result, we will have some pass rush names listed here worth keeping an eye on. That may not be the only spot where Kansas City makes an addition, though. Without further ado, let’s kick things off with our first name.

Note: Carolina Panthers DE Brian Burns would have been at the top of this list. Things can always change. But right now, he seems unlikely to be traded. Keep in mind, the Chiefs could be slightly unwilling to move their 2023 first-round pick as well. With Kansas City hosting the 2023 NFL Draft, they may look to move picks from the second round or later, in next year’s draft at least.

Chicago Bears DE/OLB Robert Quinn

Robert Quinn had an amazing 18.5 sacks last season with the Chicago Bears. He may not be producing at the level to which he was last year. Yet, Quinn is a veteran pass rusher that would provide Kansas City with a similar impact to how Melvin Ingram did last year. Ingram and Quinn are different players with different skill sets. However, the Bears defender offers a style to where the Chiefs know what they would be getting week in and week out.

Quinn can offer a plethora of pass rush counter moves. He can still bend around the edge at a fair rate, despite his age. More importantly, Quinn has the length that can put offensive tackles in binds. The Chiefs would be able to open things up even more if this player joined the likes of Chris Jones and Frank Clark. Something to keep in mind, is the Bears new general manager, Ryan Poles. Of course, he was in the Kansas City front office under current Chiefs general manager Brett Veach before taking the Chicago job. Perhaps, the two old friends could find a fair trade package revolving around Quinn.

Washington Commanders DT Daron Payne

Daron Payne is currently in the final year of his deal with the Washington Commanders. As much as the Chiefs may need defensive end help, the defensive tackle depth is weak beyond Jones. In terms of three-down players, no one outside of Jones consistently provides that for Kansas City. Washington may be able to get a decent haul for someone of Payne’s caliber.

The Alabama product has continually been healthy and productive for a defensive tackle. As far as his pass rush skill set goes, Payne can provide a vertical push towards the interior of the pocket. His quarterback hit numbers have continued to increase in recent years. Payne also adds stability as a run defender. Kansas City is going through a bit of a setback as a run defense in recent weeks. With this player’s ability to shed through blocks and get into the backfield, the Chiefs may be a tremendous fit for someone like Payne, if Washington is willing to move on.

Washington Commanders DE Montez Sweat

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Another Washington defensive lineman? It may be surprising to some to see Montez Sweat on this list. Nevertheless, there have been some depth defensive ends step up recently for the Commanders. Sweat has also seen his production vary from time to time in the last couple of years. He seems to be getting after the quarterback here and there. Though, there just seems to be some rumblings with his stance in Washington.

Given that he was a former first-round pick, Veach will always look to turn those guys into something with a fresh change of scenery. Like the aforementioned Quinn, Sweat could add significant length and quickness off of the edge. Say he were to be dealt, Sweat would play next season on his fifth-year option. The Chiefs could give the Commanders an offer they cannot refuse, especially if Washington is looking to make major changes entering 2023.

New Orleans Saints DE Marcus Davenport

Another former first-round pick for Veach to go after. Have you figured out a pattern? Outside of one and a half to two seasons, the production has been fairly bare for Marcus Davenport. This is a guy who New Orleans traded up in the first round for, giving up a ton of draft capital. Davenport is a dense, yet agile, pass rusher who has impressive closing burst. If he can cleanup his pass rush repertoire at the line of scrimmage, then Davenport could become more impactful as his career grows.

This seems to also be a player who Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would love. There is a lot to like with his build, play recognition and hand power. Can he still find a way to put it all together? If so, getting out of New Orleans may be just what Davenport needs as he enters the second phase of his career. Obviously, the Saints could use as many draft picks as they could receive, as well.

New England Patriots OT Isaiah Wynn

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Kansas City could consider offensive tackle as an area of need. Orlando Brown Jr. would be lucky to receive another offer of a high-priced contract extension after the season. On the flip side, Andrew Wylie has taken a step back at right tackle. The Chiefs could look to fill one of the offensive tackle spots with an experienced piece heading into the future.

The lone offensive player on this list, New England Patriots offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn seems ready for a change. He missed some of the offseason activities in New England this summer. Moreover, he had a position switch to right tackle, after previously playing left tackle. His spot was recently lost and his health has been in question at times. Wynn would have to be re-signed after the season, if acquired by the Chiefs, assuming they would want to retain him. His size and power could stick in Kansas City.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.