Insider Names WR To Watch if the Chiefs Explore the Trade Market

The trade market for wide receivers is arguably the hottest it's ever been midseason, just a few weeks out from the NFL trade deadline.

Some of the top names like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and Diontae Johnson could all be shipped off to new teams in the coming weeks, but another name who could become available if the Tennessee Titans lose a few more games in DeAndre Hopkins.

A five-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler, Hopkins is the Titans' best receiver right now, and he could fetch a solid return from a WR-needy team looking to bolster its group of pass-catchers.

One team in desperate need of another high-profile receiver is the Kansas City Chiefs, who could be calling the Titans about Hopkins if they haven't already, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on a recent episode of "SportsCenter."

"The Titans came off a win last week against Miami, so they don't really want to sell pieces off right now," Fowler said. "Hopkins is a guy they really like, who they gave real money to, but he's been a top guy for a long time, he's only 32, which he's still playing at a high level. His $8.3 million salary is a little high, but look, the Chiefs wanted to sign him a year ago, badly, they just didn't get it done. We know they need a receiver because of the Rashee Rice situation, maybe they at least make the call."

A look at receivers that could garner trade interest for teams that strike out on Davante Adams. pic.twitter.com/S4Ra395YaK

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 5, 2024

Without Rice, their leading receiver (24 catches, 288 yards, two TDs) who is feared to have suffered a torn ACL last week, the Chiefs WR room looks a bit baron. Rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy has looked impressive in spurts, but he's not ready to take on the workload of being a No. 1 receiver just yet.

Aside from Worthy, KC's next-best options are Justin Watson and Juju Smith-Schuster, which is why adding a player of Hopkins' caliber makes all the sense in the world.

Hopkins is third on the Titans in receptions (10) and fourth in targets (14) but he's second in yards (121) and he's one of just two receivers with a touchdown catch. With seven 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, including his 1,057 yards last season, Hopkins is the kind of player who could help save the Chiefs' season if Rice is, indeed, lost for the year.