SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as the most talented quarterback in the NFL, finds himself in urgent need of assistance as the Kansas City Chiefs aim to make history by winning three consecutive Super Bowls. The Chiefs, currently the only undefeated team in the league with a 6-0 record following their recent victory over the San Francisco 49ers, are facing a critical juncture that demands immediate action in the form of a trade.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on November 5 at 3 p.m. CT, the Chiefs’ leadership team, including club owner Clark Hunt, head coach Andy Reid, and general manager Brett Veach, must consider making a move well before the deadline. The urgency is palpable, especially given the current state of the team’s receiving corps.
Despite their undefeated status, Mahomes is without his top three wide receivers: veteran newcomer Marquise Brown, who is sidelined with a left shoulder injury; rising star Rashee Rice, dealing with a right knee issue; and JuJu Smith-Schuster, who rejoined the team in late August but aggravated a hamstring injury during the game against the 49ers, forcing him to miss the remainder of the contest. Reid confirmed on Monday that Smith-Schuster has already been ruled out for the upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
This season marks a significant milestone for Mahomes, as he has led the Chiefs to a 6-0 start for the first time in his eight-year career. However, the question looms large: How long can Mahomes continue to stabilize the Chiefs’ passing attack without adequate support from the receiving unit?
While it is certainly possible for the Chiefs to secure a victory against the Raiders without making a trade, the competition in the AFC is expected to intensify as the season progresses and temperatures drop. Analyzing Mahomes’ passing statistics through the first six games reveals a concerning trend: he has thrown only six touchdowns, leads the league with eight interceptions, and boasts an 82.5 passer rating—the lowest of his career as a starter.
In the absence of his primary receivers, Mahomes has had to rely heavily on tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. In a surprising turn, Gray led the Chiefs in receiving yards against the 49ers with 66 yards, marking a first in his four-year career. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy emerged as the team’s leading wideout during the game, albeit with modest numbers: three receptions on eight targets for just 19 yards.
Mahomes displayed remarkable resilience and athleticism in the second half against the 49ers, escaping the pocket multiple times to avoid pressure. His career-long 33-yard scramble along the sideline showcased his elite abilities, and he capped off a crucial fourth-and-goal situation with a powerful 1-yard touchdown run, bulldozing past 49ers safety Malik Mustapha.
As the Chiefs prepare for their next game, the urgency for a trade becomes increasingly clear. The team has proven its capability to win games, but the long-term sustainability of their success hinges on Mahomes receiving the support he desperately needs from the wide receiver position. With the trade deadline approaching, the Chiefs must act swiftly to bolster their roster and ensure that Mahomes can continue to perform at an elite level.
Fans across the league are watching closely as the Chiefs navigate this critical period. The outcome of their decisions in the coming days could significantly impact their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title and the legacy of one of the game’s most talented quarterbacks.
