Potential Trade Targets for the Chiefs: Travis Etienne, Jonathan Jones, and Ideal Fits for Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs have been quite active in the lead-up to the trade deadline for the 2024 NFL season.
Recently, the Chiefs made headlines by trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans prior to Week 8. Following that, ahead of Week 9, they acquired experienced pass rusher Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots to enhance their defensive edge.
However, Kansas City might still be looking to make additional roster adjustments. They might need to strengthen certain positions as they pursue an extraordinary third consecutive Super Bowl win.
So, who are the potential trade targets for the Chiefs? Below is a look at some players who could catch Kansas City’s eye.
Chiefs Trade Prospects
Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Since the Chiefs’ main running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a broken leg, Kareem Hunt has been performing admirably. However, can the team rely on Hunt’s continued success? And once Pacheco returns from his lengthy recovery, will he be ready to shoulder a full workload for the playoffs?
If the Chiefs have doubts about either scenario, they might consider targeting Etienne. The fourth-year running back has been averaging 4.1 yards per carry this season while managing an ongoing injury issue. Nevertheless, he achieved over 1,000 rushing yards in both 2022 and 2023, and if he can regain his health, he would be a valuable addition as a dynamic playmaker.
Etienne is also effective in the passing game. He has a career average of 46 catches for 375 yards across his last 17 games, giving the Chiefs a missing receiving threat from the backfield. This could assist Patrick Mahomes as he deals with the absences of Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown due to long-term injuries.
Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots
With L’Jarius Sneed being traded to the Titans during the offseason, the Chiefs initially managed his absence well in the first two months of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, they have now lost starting cornerback Jaylen Watson to a season-ending leg injury, creating an urgent need for new cornerback talent, which Jones could fulfill.
At 31 years old, Jones is a nine-year veteran skilled at playing both on the perimeter and in the slot. Although he’s on the smaller side at 5 feet 9 inches and 185 pounds, his versatility aligns with Steve Spagnuolo’s preferences for agile cornerbacks.
Jones could either play alongside Trent McDuffie in a more compact secondary or offer Kansas City reliable, versatile depth. His experience of winning two Super Bowls with the Patriots could also work in favor of a potential trade to the Chiefs.
Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers
To be clear, the Panthers reportedly have no plans to trade Horn, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. This means that the No. 8 pick from the 2021 NFL Draft is unlikely to become a member of the Chiefs.
However, should the Panthers reconsider, the Chiefs should certainly express interest in the 6-foot-1, 200-pound cornerback. Horn’s size and physical playstyle would complement McDuffie, who is 5 feet 11 inches and 193 pounds, providing Spagnuolo with another promising addition to enhance Kansas City’s robust defense.
Additionally, Horn is under contract through the 2025 NFL season, making it a move for both the present and the future, but as of now, it seems like a major wish for Chiefs fans, as Carolina appears unlikely to part with one of its top young defenders.
Tre’Davious White, CB, Los Angeles Rams
While White may not possess Horn’s tremendous potential or Jones’s consistent performance, he could still be a worthwhile risk for the Chiefs.
White was named an All-Pro in 2019, but due to injuries, he has only suited up for 25 games since the start of the 2021 season. A fresh start with a new team could reignite his career after a challenging tenure with the Rams.
The Rams have recently listed White as inactive and issued him permission to explore trade options. The Chiefs have a strong opportunity to bring him in and help him reclaim his former elite-level performance. Should he rediscover his skills, he may become a starting cornerback alongside McDuffie; if not, he remains a valuable depth asset.
Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets
Is it possible for the Chiefs to add another receiver to their roster? While it’s not a necessity, finding a desirable offer could encourage them to enhance Mahomes’ recovering receiving corps.
The Chiefs have witnessed Williams operate as a deep-threat target during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. If the Jets decide to offload him after acquiring Davante Adams, Kansas City might evaluate adding him to create competition among Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Justin Watson for playing time.
K.J. Osborn, WR, New England Patriots
Osborn could offer additional depth to the Chiefs’ wide receiver group as well. At 27 years of age, he hasn’t had much opportunity with the Patriots, but during his previous three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, he averaged 53 receptions, 615 yards, and five touchdowns.
Osborn’s adaptability and speed could facilitate a quick connection with Mahomes. Given his professional experience in the slot, he would serve as solid backup for Smith-Schuster, who A player is currently struggling with a hamstring injury.