Patrick Mahomes set to get DeAndre Hopkins as the newest weapon amid series of injuries for the Chiefs

Following JuJu Smith-Schuster's injury, the Chiefs are acquiring DeAndre Hopkins in a trade deal with the Titans before the trade deadline.

Patrick Mahomes set to get DeAndre Hopkins as the newest weapon amid series of injuries for the Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes and DeAndre Hopkins (Via Imago)

At present, the Kansas City Chiefs stand out as the only team across the league to have six consecutive victories since the season commencement, a feat largely attributed to their solid receiving squad, which the team dedicated the entire offseason enhancing. And looks like they have found another gem addition to the receiving corps through a trade deal with the Tennessee Titans. 

The two-time Super Bowl defending champions strengthened their receiving corps, taking some burden off tight end Travis Kelce‘s shoulders and providing top targets to Patrick Mahomes; however, they couldn’t save it from the ill fate of injuries. Amid the series of injuries to WRs, they immediately need a solid offensive weapon to keep their goal of achieving a three-peat alive. 

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Fortunately for them, they found it in veteran star DeAndre Hopkins. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported via sources that the Chiefs are acquiring Hopkins in a trade deal with the Tennessee Titans, a week before the trade deadline. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the news and revealed the Titans are exchanging their star player for a fifth-round pick, which could upgrade to a fourth-round. 

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Kansas City, leading the league with 6-0, is moving ahead without key offensive players including Hollywood Brown, who got injured before the regular season; Rashee Rice sustained a knee injury in week 4, and newly reinstated JuJu Smith-Schuster also to a knee injury last week. 

The five-time Pro Bowler receiver is joining the troop of the elite quarterback Mahomes, whose top targets currently are rookie Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman, Justin Watson, and Skyy Moore. Last season, despite having no elite receivers, Mahomes had Kelce to compensate but it had been hard for him this season due to a series of underwhelming performances of his own. 

Why DeAndre Hopkins is the perfect addition to Chiefs’ playoff aspirations

Similar to many other trades of the NFL, Hopkins also had no plans to leave the Titans, despite their poor 1-5 season record. The franchise also wasn’t listening to trade offers from other teams. The veteran wanted to stay in Tennessee, but the offer from the Chiefs is certainly not one to turn down. 

DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins (via IMAGO)

The Chiefs are aiming for the historic three-peat and based on their gameplay, progress, and consistency with a six-game winning streak, they are the favorite for the Super Bowl (again). Joining Mahomes-led offense could be exactly what the 32-year-old requires before retiring from his football career. 

As for the Chiefs, they require a solid offensive weapon, who can be a leader in the locker room, especially considering their many receivers are on the injury reserve. Hopkins is an ideal fit for them due to his productive possession target, even though he has faced his own injury challenges.