The Kansas City Chiefs head into their divisional clash against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday undefeated at 4-0, once again looking like one of the best teams in football.
But according to former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, they might still be missing one thing to make them a legitimate Super Bowl contender: an elite, veteran wide receiver.
"I'm making a prediction right now: the Kansas City Chiefs make a big trade for a big-time receiver that can get down the field," Wilson said Sunday on CBS Sports' "The NFL Today."
"If I'm the Kansas City Chiefs, I have to go find a playmaker down the field for Patrick Mahomes. I'm talking about a big-time playmaker, a big-time receiver, a veteran receiver that knows how to make plays down the field because that's the one thing I think this team is missing. They have all the leadership, they have all the weapons, but they don't have a guy right now."
More news: Colts Add New Receiving Threat Hours Before Titans Game
The Chiefs still haven't lost a game, but their offense has been carried by Kenneth Walker. Walker's already on pace for a career year in his first season in Kansas City, rushing for 537 yards and four touchdowns on 87 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He's also added 84 receiving yards and two receiving scores.
Travis Kelce is currently the team's leading receiver in what many expect to be his final NFL season. Through four games, Kelce has posted 246 yards and two touchdowns, but at 37 years old, he can't stretch the field like he used to.
While Xavier Worthy has that explosive ability, he hasn't yet proven to be an elite or reliable every-down option. Rashee Rice also hasn't lived up to the billing as a true WR1 at the NFL level, and he's now dealing with a hamstring injury. Tyquan Thornton is set to miss time as well after his brutal ankle injury.
If Kansas City were to make the decision to go out and trade for another elite pass catcher, it would undoubtedly make them the team to beat in the AFC.
More news: Oregon QB Dante Moore’s NFL Draft Stock Takes Shocking Turn Amid Injury
...
More news: Eagles Make Major Decision on Jalen Hurts’ Season Before Facing Panthers
The timing is what makes this prediction interesting. The Texans just traded for Marvin Harrison Jr., who had been one of the top names in trade rumors for weeks, and with the NFL trade deadline looming, more teams could be looking to load up.
Several top receivers have been named in recent weeks as potential trade candidates, including Jerry Jeudy and Quentin Johnston, who could both add another element to this Chiefs offense. But the name that should be at the top of the list is Brian Thomas Jr., an explosive young receiver who can take the top off defenses and just two years ago posted 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.