The Kansas City Chiefs look like they are ready to make another deep run in the postseason. They have as explosive of an offense as ever as Patrick Mahomes is having one of the best seasons of his career despite losing Tyreek Hill in an offseason trade to the Miami Dolphins. With the trade deadline almost here, could they look to make a deal with the Cleveland Browns for pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney?

While the Chiefs’ offense can keep up with anyone, their defense has left a little something to be desired. They are currently 23rd in points allowed and 26th in yardage, which certainly aren’t Super Bowl-level numbers.

Part of that likely has to do with playing soft defense late in games as they are running out the clock. Kansas City has surrendered the third most passing yards in the NFL thus far this season and faced the most pass attempts. They have been stout on the ground as they have faced the second least attempts, giving up the third least amount of yards and are seventh in rushing yards allowed per carry.

If this team wants to make a deep run into the postseason once again, shoring up the passing defense is a necessity. One way to accomplish that is by bolstering the team’s pass rush. A name to keep an eye on when it comes to the Chiefs is Jadeveon Clowney of the Cleveland Browns.

Clowney is on a one-year, $10 million deal, but it was structured uniquely. He will be paid out over the course of five seasons, so his cap hit is an easily palatable $1.25 million. As a team limited in cap space to spend, Clowney would be a perfect target for the Chiefs.

Alas, he may not be available. After defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on Halloween on Monday Night Football, the Browns may not want to deal away Clowney feeling they have a shot at turning things around and being in playoff contention. Having Clowney as a bookend to Myles Garrett is important to their defense.

Kansas City could try blowing the Chiefs away with a trade proposal, offering the extra picks that they received from the Dolphins in the Hill deal. A fourth and sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft likely wouldn’t get the Browns to the negotiating table, but if the Chiefs threw in a second-rounder, that could pique their interest.

Pass rushers come at a premium at the trade deadline and being in the position that they are, the Chiefs should be willing to pay it as one of the few teams who can truly call themselves Super Bowl contenders this season.