🏈 Chiefs Eye Defensive Line Upgrade as Trade Deadline Nears

Kansas City, MO — According to The Athletic’s insider Dianna Russini, the Kansas City Chiefs are actively exploring the market for defensive linemen ahead of the NFL trade deadline. After rookie Omar Norman-Lott suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 7, Kansas City’s depth on the interior line has become a major concern.

Russini’s report notes:

“We’re not shopping for running backs. We are shopping for defensive linemen.”

With the loss of Norman-Lott and inconsistent play behind Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ front office is under pressure to act. Derrick Nnadi has struggled, and reinforcements are badly needed to bolster both the pass rush and run defense.

🔥 Three Trade Targets for Kansas City

Colin Saunders (Jaguars) — A potential homecoming. Saunders thrived in Kansas City in 2022 under Steve Spagnuolo’s system. The Chiefs could likely reacquire him for a late-round pick swap.

Dre’Mont Jones (Titans) — A pricier option but a proven pass-rusher. Jones fits Spagnuolo’s mold: versatile, quick, and disruptive from the interior. A possible trade could involve a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round return.

Daron Payne (Commanders) — The dream move. Payne is a Tier-B elite defensive tackle who could immediately transform Kansas City’s front line beside Chris Jones. The proposed deal includes corner Christian Fulton (a healthy scratch in recent weeks) and a third-round pick — a package that would also free up cap space.

🚫 Unrealistic Targets

The Chiefs have also been linked to Miami’s Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, but both are considered financially unrealistic:

Phillips would be an expensive short-term rental.

Chubb’s $20M cap hit makes any deal nearly impossible under Kansas City’s current structure.

💬 Fan Reactions and Power Rankings

Meanwhile, Chat Sports ranked Kansas City 5th in their latest power rankings — behind the Detroit Lions, whom the Chiefs defeated two weeks ago. Fans were quick to express disbelief, with many insisting the defending champs deserve the top spot.

⚡ Bottom Line

The Chiefs’ front office, led by GM Brett Veach, is expected to make at least one depth move before the deadline. Whether it’s a nostalgic reunion (Saunders) or a blockbuster (Payne), Kansas City appears poised to reload for another Super Bowl run.