The Kansas City Chiefs continue to struggle to rush the passer while getting bad news on the injury front. Rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Sunday's Week 7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chiefs have posted a middling 15.0 sacks through seven games.
The Chiefs have produced a 38% pass-rush win-rate (PRWR), according to ESPN Research. That's 21st-best in the league. Steve Spagnuolo's defense is barely averaging more than two sacks per outing. If the Chiefs hope to compete for a Super Bowl, they must improve their pass-rushing efficiency.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is also on IR. George Karlaftis is the only Chiefs defender with more than 2.0 sacks this season. Chris Jones hasn't been his usual dominant self, and Ashton Gillotte is a rookie.
With help needed, we’ve identified three pass rushers the Chiefs should consider trading for.
Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins
The 1-6 Miami Dolphins are facing an eventual rebuild, as their 2025 season has gone completely haywire. Draft capital is required to try and accelerate the painful process ahead. The Dolphins' biggest bargaining chip at the trade deadline is arguably pass rusher Jaelan Phillips.
The 26-year-old Phillips is slated for free agency in March. With a checkered injury history and other pass rushers under contract, the Dolphins would be wise to sell high. Phillips has been a consistent threat this campaign, with two sacks and 22 total pressures. Playoff contenders should be attentive to his situation.
Dre’Mont Jones, Tennessee Titans
The 1-6 Tennessee Titans should be aggressive sellers at the deadline. Jeffery Simmons and Peter Skoronski are the only veterans who should be untouchable. Decision-makers Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker believe in patiently rebuilding this roster through the draft. They are attempting to surround rookie quarterback Cam Ward with young talent.
Veteran pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones signed a one-year contract as a placeholder. He's almost certainly not in the Titans' 2026 plans. Jones began the campaign disappointingly, but he accumulated eight pressures and two sacks in Tennessee's previous four outings, while also recovering a fumble. He's certainly available on the trade market and would assist the Chiefs as a defender with useful inside-outside versatility.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
The New York Giants are rebuilding around Jaxson Dart at quarterback and Cam Skattebo at running back. Despite the fireworks in recent weeks, their postseason chances are slim to none, especially following Sunday's blown opportunity versus the Denver Broncos. The Giants still need additional draft capital to complete this rebuild.
Brian Burns and Abdul Carter are the pass rushers of the Giants' future. The Giants shrewdly exercised Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option, which guarantees him an underpaid $14.7 million next season. Thibodeaux will prefer to sign an extension this offseason, but the control over his contract makes him a favorable candidate to be traded. He's recorded 2.5 sacks and 22 pressures this year, and is one of the most talented pass rushers who could realistically be dealt at the deadline.
