The Kansas City Chiefs offense, by regular norms, has been solid this season. But, when compared to the high bar we have become accustomed to seeing them play during the Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid era, this year’s unit is underwhelming.

The Chiefs ae moving the ball well, ranking fourth in yardage gained. But, they are struggling to finish drives, as they rank 12th in points. That would be the lowest finish with Mahomes as the starter and third lowest under Reid.

A big issue for this offense is the wide receiver position. Rookie second-round pick Rashee Rice has stepped up and played about as well as you could ask, but the team is getting nothing else from players at the position.

Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney were expected to play much larger roles but they haven’t produced. That has left a sizable void in the Chiefs’ passing offense as tight end Travis Kelce needs some help. As one NFL analyst put it, this offense too often deteriorates into Mahomes and Kelce having to bail them out.

That is partly why one former NFL wide receiver is begging the Chiefs to make a splash ahead of the trade deadline. Dez Bryant would love to see Kansas City acquire former All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins in a trade from the Tennessee Titans.

Hopkins had the best game of his season in Week 8, catching four passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie quarterback Will Levis got the start with Ryan Tannehill injured and showed that he isn’t afraid to take shots downfield, something Tennessee hasn’t been doing much of in 2023.

While three-touchdown games week in and week out aren’t realistic, Hopkins would be a huge upgrade over what the Chiefs are currently running out there at wide receiver. Combining with Kelce as Mahomes’ to-go option with Rice as a complementary piece would have this offense back on track.

Alas, it is hard to imagine the Chiefs pulling off a trade for Hopkins. When he was a free agent they had a chance to sign him without surrendering compensation and chose not to. Will they be willing to trade some draft capital for him now? Given the current state of the position, they may be desperate enough to do so this time around.

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