The Kansas City Chiefs’ impressive start to the season came to an abrupt halt in Week 7 when they were dominated 20-3 by the Seattle Seahawks on the road. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running back Kenneth Walker III struggled to make much of an impact against Seattle’s suffocating defense, exposing the Chiefs’ lack of playmakers.

After the Chiefs’ Week 7 loss, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler identified Kansas City as a team likely to pursue wide receiver help before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

ESPN Insider Identifies Chiefs as Team to Watch for WR Trade

In his article on Wednesday, Fowler revealed that the Chiefs could opt to trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.

“The Chiefs appear poised to do something at wide receiver,” Fowler wrote. “Injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton have created holes in the passing game that running back Kenneth Walker III can’t mask alone. The Chiefs have managed to win games despite those injuries, but Sunday night in Seattle was a reminder of how ugly things can look without adequate downfield playmakers.”

“Enough receivers will be available in the coming weeks, so the Chiefs can get good value trading for the high-impact players or lower-cost options,” Fowler added. “The Colts’ Josh Downs would be a fit for the Chiefs. The Browns’ Jerry Jeudy would also fit, though Cleveland is not inclined to deal him now barring a significant offer.”

Jeudy has dealt with drop issues in recent seasons, recording 10 drops in 2025 while catching just 47.2% of his 106 targets.

Last season, the Browns wide receiver amassed 602 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns and has managed 171 receiving yards on 16 receptions this season.

On the other hand, Downs, who was selected No. 79 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, requested a trade from the Colts on Wednesday. Downs has tallied 307 receiving yards on 26 receptions this season, earning a PFN WR Impact score of 74.3 (No. 37 in the NFL).

The Chiefs’ wide receiver room has been severely hampered by injuries to Rice, who has been dealing with a right hamstring injury, and Thornton, who is on the injured reserve list after dislocating his left ankle and tearing ligaments in Week 4.

Those injuries have left Xavier Worthy as Kansas City’s top available wide receiver, leading to Patrick Mahomes’ publicized frustration when the wide receiver failed to corral a simple catch against the Seahawks.

Coach Andy Reid’s team’s lack of a deep threat and a playmaker has kept them out of Super Bowl contention conversations, as the Chiefs’ unit has earned a PFN Offense Impact score of 80.6 (No. 8 in the league).