Chiefs Among Top Suitors for Receivers as NFL Trade Deadline Nears
The Kansas City Chiefs were among the leading suitors for a wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline on November 10, 2026. Insiders named Indianapolis's Josh Downs and Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr. as possible targets, with a fourth-round pick floated as a price.
The Kansas City Chiefs were among the leading suitors for a wide receiver on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as the NFL trade deadline closed in at 3 p.m. Arrowhead time. NFL insiders said general manager Brett Veach was working the phones in a final chance to add a significant player.
After the deadline, the league's 32 teams can no longer trade players with one another. A free-agent signing is the only route left.
Prime suitors for receivers
Albert Breer, an NFL insider, wrote on November 10 that "the Chiefs and Steelers have been the prime suitors for receivers, with the Niners still lingering on the periphery." He said some teams believed over the weekend that Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs would move to Kansas City for a fourth-round pick.
Breer added that the Colts hope to let the market play out. They want to sweeten the return for Downs, who is at the end of his rookie contract.
NFL insider Adam Schefter said on Monday that the Colts had an offer of at least a fourth-round pick for Downs. He said he did not know why Indianapolis would not move him.
Jaguars' Thomas in the frame
Jeremy Fowler, another NFL insider, said Monday that the Chiefs "are lurking" and have been "looking hard" for a receiver. He asked whether Kansas City would go after Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. or Downs.
Fowler also reported that Jacksonville plans to keep Thomas through the deadline. The Jaguars have told interested teams as much.
Insider Ian Rapoport said the Chiefs have been interested in Thomas since last year. "It feels like a matter of when, not if," he said, though he was unsure whether a deal would come this season or in the offseason. He said one issue for Jacksonville is how much it wants to help a team it could face down the road.
Veach's message
CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said she spoke with Veach before Sunday's game. She reported that the Chiefs' focus "continues to be at the wide receiver position."
Wolfson said there had been increased dialogue that week. Veach found that some major franchise players he had looked at were off the market, but talks were set to continue over the next 24 hours.
Former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill is also still available as a free agent. He is reportedly expected to be ready to return to play in November.
