The Kansas City Chiefs are a team that many people are going to be keeping an eye on in the coming days. With less than two weeks until the NFL Trade Deadline, many people are expecting them to make a move sooner rather than later.
While the overall numbers offensively are still solid, this year’s version of the team hasn’t been as explosive when compared to years past. They are currently ninth in the NFL in points scored, which would be the lowest ranking in the Patrick Mahomes era and tied for the third-lowest since Andy Reid took over as head coach.
Not having a fully healthy Travis Kelce has been a detriment as he missed Week 1 against the Detroit Lions with a knee injury and suffered another lower-body injury, this time to his ankle, more recently.
He is still the leading receiver on the Chiefs, but they could certainly use some help at wide receiver. Kansas City has needed to overhaul their game plan at the position the last two offseasons after trading away Tyreek Hill in 2022 and seeing JuJu Smith-Schuster depart in free agency this year.
The Chiefs have been linked to a number of different wide receivers over the last few months, and you can now add another one to the list. According to a former NFL executive who spoke to NFL Analysis Network, Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney is someone to keep an eye on for Kansas City.
“Darnell Mooney is going to be an interesting name to watch at the trade deadline. I think the Chiefs have some interest, as well as a handful of other teams.”
Mooney, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, looked like a breakout star his first two seasons in the NFL. A rookie season with 61 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns was followed up by a sophomore season of 81 receptions for 1,035 yards and four scores. Unfortunately, he hasn’t come close to those numbers since.
In the subsequent 18 games, Mooney has caught only 50 passes for 645 yards and three touchdowns. A big reason for the drop in production has been the level of quarterback play, and the offense in general, in Chicago. He has battled some injuries last season.
On an expiring contract, Mooney shouldn’t be too expensive for the Chiefs to acquire in a trade. Given their current standing, it would not be a surprise if the Bears are sellers in the coming days, especially if Justin Fields’ thumb injury is worse than expected.
That is something a team such as the Chiefs can benefit from. Mooney has already shown he is capable of being a high-level producer in the NFL and a change of scenery could help him get back on track and boost his value heading into free agency.
