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The Kansas City Chiefs maintained their unbeaten record with a 22-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, marking Patrick Mahomes’ 100th regular-season win as a starting quarterback. He reached this milestone in just 131 games, matching Tom Brady’s record. After the game, Mahomes expressed his determination to keep winning as they improved to 5-0.
Running back Kenneth Walker III also played a crucial role in the game, rushing for 128 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers. His impressive performances have even led ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky to suggest that he should be considered an early MVP candidate, ahead of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. With Kansas City’s championship aspirations firmly in place, general manager Brett Veach has a chance to strengthen the roster before the trade deadline on November 10.
Historically, they have pursued established players to help Mahomes secure another championship, but their current situation presents a unique opportunity, and with a surplus at one defensive position, they might acquire additional resources without seriously compromising their chances this season.
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One player Kansas City should consider moving before the trade deadline is cornerback Kristian Fulton.
Kristian Fulton’s reduced role creates an opportunity for Kansas City
Fulton’s second season with the Chiefs has unfolded differently than the organization anticipated when they signed him in March 2025. The former second-round selection from the Tennessee Titans arrived with substantial starting experience after playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, where he established himself as a capable perimeter defender. Unfortunately, Fulton’s first season in Kansas City was interrupted by injuries, limiting him to only eight appearances. Despite this, he managed to record six passes defended and provided valuable experience when he was on the field.
As they entered 2026, their secondary had undergone significant changes. The return of L’Jarius Sneed brought another established cornerback into Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, while the first-round selection of Mansoor Delane added a younger option capable of competing for immediate playing time. Additionally, Nohl Williams has emerged as an important contributor, giving the coaching staff more flexibility in constructing coverage packages.
These developments have reduced the opportunities available for Fulton, who has played in only three of Kansas City’s first four games before the team’s Week 5 bye. In those appearances, he has recorded seven tackles, one pass defended, and one interception. His interception against Indianapolis in Week 2 was particularly encouraging, showcasing the awareness and positioning that helped him establish himself during his earlier NFL seasons.
The Chiefs have developed enough cornerback depth to consider a move
Kansas City’s secondary underwent significant changes during the offseason, particularly after the departures of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Replacing their experience required a mix of veteran additions and younger players who could handle demanding assignments within Spagnuolo’s system. The early results have been promising, as they allowed only six points against the Chargers while preventing Justin Herbert from consistently attacking their coverage.
The return of Sneed has provided a familiar presence in the defensive backfield, while Delane’s development has offered another viable option for a unit that frequently asks its cornerbacks to take on challenging individual matchups. Williams has also added to the competition for playing time, which has limited Fulton’s opportunities on a roster with more established alternatives.
Spagnuolo’s defense emphasizes communication and versatility, especially when it comes to disguising pressure or adjusting coverage before the snap, and while maintaining experienced depth is crucial, Kansas City has effectively incorporated younger defenders into meaningful roles throughout its recent championship runs.
Moving Fulton would require confidence that the younger players can continue to handle increased responsibilities as the schedule gets tougher. They have already faced injuries in the secondary, including Sneed’s knee issue entering Week 6, making the timing of any potential trade especially important. Veach should avoid weakening the rotation before assessing the health of his established players and the preparedness of those behind them.
There is a reasonable argument for exploring the market while Fulton remains able to provide immediate help to another team. A playoff contender facing injuries at cornerback could value his experience, while a rebuilding team might see him as an affordable veteran who can stabilize a young secondary.
Trading Fulton could help address Kansas City’s offensive depth
Their undefeated record has understandably generated optimism about an offense that appears more balanced than it did last season. Walker has revitalized the rushing attack, giving Mahomes a reliable option capable of producing explosive plays without making him carry the entire offensive workload. His performance against the Los Angeles Chargers illustrated the advantages of this balance, especially as Kansas City controlled possession and limited the Chargers’ opportunities to gain momentum.
However, the receiving corps has faced some uncertainty. Tyquan Thornton was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, and Rashee Rice missed the Chargers game because of hamstring and knee issues. These absences forced Kansas City to rely more heavily on its available receivers, including Xavier Worthy and practice-squad elevation Andrew Armstrong.
Worthy caught seven passes for 73 yards against Los Angeles, delivering another productive performance as the offense adjusted to its available personnel. Armstrong also made contributions during his first NFL start, showcasing the coaching staff’s ability to prepare younger players for unexpected responsibilities. Kansas recently re-signed Justin Watson to their practice squad, adding a familiar option to the roster, but the receiving rotation could still benefit from additional experience as the season moves forward.
Acquiring draft compensation for Fulton would give General Manager Brett Veach another asset to consider in potential negotiations for offensive reinforcements. Kansas City also faces questions regarding offensive line depth, particularly after Josh Simmons missed the Chargers game with a back injury and Jaylon Moore had to exit due to a concussion. Joshua Ezeudu provided relief at right tackle, but the importance of protecting Mahomes makes securing additional depth worth considering before the trade deadline.
The financial implications of any move would need to be carefully evaluated alongside the potential benefits, especially since Kansas City has limited salary-cap flexibility. Moving one veteran player might not automatically create sufficient space for a major acquisition, and the value of a trade would depend on the terms of Fulton’s contract and the compensation another team is willing to provide.
Kansas City should prioritize flexibility without compromising its defense
They have made a strong comeback from their disappointing 2025 season, with Patrick Mahomes returning from his ACL injury and an improved rushing attack alleviating some of the offensive pressure that previously affected almost every drive. Their defense has played a significant role in their undefeated start, highlighting the importance of roster continuity as Kansas City prepares for its upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Fulton’s experience could be invaluable if injuries impact the secondary later in the season, and his current role should not be underestimated, even with the younger cornerbacks performing well.
General Manager Brett Veach has built his reputation on identifying opportunities to enhance the roster through well-timed personnel decisions. The approaching trade deadline offers him another chance to assess whether an established reserve could provide more value via a trade instead of having limited participation in the current rotation. Given the Chiefs’ championship aspirations, it makes sense to explore this possibility, especially with injuries on the offensive side raising concerns about the availability of reliable depth during the tougher parts of the schedule.
They have already demonstrated that they possess the talent to compete with the top teams in the AFC. By maintaining that foundation while transforming surplus depth into future flexibility, Veach can help ensure the roster remains competitive during another potential championship run.
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