The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly close to finalizing a trade for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, according to sources from ESPN and NFL Network. Despite Hopkins dealing with a lower leg injury, the Chiefs are expected to acquire him from the Tennessee Titans for a fifth-round draft pick, which could become a fourth-rounder depending on performance-based conditions. Tennessee is also expected to cover a portion of Hopkins’ salary, making the trade cap-friendly for Kansas City.

The Chiefs have been plagued by injuries in their wide receiver room, with key players like Rashee Rice (knee), Hollywood Brown (shoulder), and JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) all sidelined. Bringing in Hopkins—despite his injury and a slower start to the season (15 catches, 173 yards, one touchdown in six games)—could revitalize Kansas City’s offensive lineup. At 32, DeAndre Hopkins is a seasoned receiver with seven 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, making him an attractive asset for a Chiefs team eyeing a Super Bowl run. Patrick Mahomes could benefit greatly from Hopkins’ experience, adding another playmaker to his arsenal as Kansas City deals with its mounting injury list.

For the Chiefs, the trade for DeAndre Hopkins is a strategic, low-risk move. They gain a proven wide receiver without surrendering significant draft capital, while also preserving salary cap flexibility. Hopkins is currently on an expiring deal, which allows Kansas City to assess his fit in their system without long-term commitment. If Hopkins’ leg injury doesn’t impact his availability, he could make his debut as early as this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Joining a contender like Kansas City offers Hopkins the chance to compete for his first Super Bowl ring, while giving the Chiefs a much-needed offensive spark heading into the most critical part of the season.

This trade signals the Chiefs’ intent to stay competitive despite their injury setbacks, offering both the player and the team an opportunity to finish the season strong.