Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is feared to have suffered a season-ending knee injury in Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple reports. Rice collided with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a freak occurrence after an interception. MRI results are expected to confirm a torn ACL.
Losing Rice delivers a massive blow to a Chiefs passing offense that's been unimpressive through four contests. General manager Brett Veach lacks the depth required to absorb losing Rice, the clear-cut No. 1 receiver in the offense. While rookie wideout Xavier Worthy will be tasked with stepping up, there's little to nothing behind him.
The Chiefs should strongly consider acquiring a veteran receiver via trade after losing Rice. We've identified three potential options.
DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans enter Monday's clash with the Miami Dolphins as one of two remaining winless teams in the league, with their AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars being the other. As general manager Ran Carthon approaches the trade deadline in a lost campaign, he should be willing to move veteran players for picks. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is their most intriguing asset.
A knee injury derailed the early portion of Hopkins' campaign, but he appeared past that setback in Week 3. The five-time Pro Bowler recorded six receptions on seven targets for 73 receiving yards and a touchdown. The 32-year-old Hopkins is in a contract year with an affordable base salary of $8.2 million and a manageable cap charge under $19 million. The Titans paid Calvin Ridley as their long-term No. 1, so a split is inevitable here.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper and quarterback Deshaun Watson haven't been on the same page this season. The Browns suffered another incredibly disappointing defeat on Sunday, falling 20-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Cooper has struggled with drops and a failure to showcase chemistry with Watson this year. He's recorded four or fewer receptions, and 35 or fewer receiving yards in three games.
Cooper also entered the campaign displeased with his contract situation. The Browns opted against signing him to his desired extension in the offseason, and his current deal is set to void in 2025. General manager Andrew Berry should consider moving Cooper before the NFL trade deadline.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
The 1-3 New York Giants are another struggling franchise that should be obvious sellers at the deadline. Quarterback Daniel Jones isn't the long-term answer and the front office could use extra draft capital to better position themselves for the future. Veteran wideout Darius Slayton should have some trade value around the deadline.
Rookie Malik Nabers has already established himself as an elite go-to receiver, and Wan'Dale Robinson is playing like a worthy No. 2. The offense is still attempting to develop Jalin Hyatt, another young player who further makes Slayton expendable. Slayton is on a team-friendly one-year contract. He had 56 receiving yards against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, proving he's still capable of contributing.
