The Kansas City Chiefs, stinging from a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, are poised to rebound in the 2025 NFL season with two savvy trades designed to supercharge their roster around Patrick Mahomes. General Manager Brett Veach, known for bold draft-day moves, is predicted to leverage the team’s eight 2025 draft picks—including two third-rounders—to address glaring needs exposed in New Orleans, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. These strategic trades, projected to reshape the Chiefs’ trajectory, aim to restore their dominance and reignite their three-peat dreams. What are these deals, and how will they redefine Kansas City’s future?
Trade 1: Moving Up for Elite Offensive Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
The Chiefs’ offensive line crumbled against Philly’s front, with Mahomes sacked six times and pressured on 43% of dropbacks, per Next Gen Stats. To protect their $450 million quarterback, Veach is forecasted to trade the No. 31 pick, a 2025 third-rounder, and a 2026 second-rounder to the Carolina Panthers for the No. 8 overall pick, targeting Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. The 6’5”, 320-pound All-American allowed zero sacks in 2024, earning an 89.2 PFF pass-blocking grade. Banks, a plug-and-play left tackle, would replace Jaylon Moore, whose inconsistent 2024 (12 pressures allowed in the Super Bowl) raised doubts. This move, costing significant capital, mirrors Veach’s 2017 Mahomes trade-up and signals all-in commitment to fortifying the trenches. X fans, buzzing with #ChiefsKingdom, see Banks as the “franchise savior” to keep Mahomes upright, though some fret about sacrificing future picks.
Trade 2: Swapping Late Picks for Defensive End Joshua Uche
Defensively, Kansas City’s pass rush waned post-Super Bowl, with Chris Jones carrying the load (10.5 sacks in 2024) while backups like George Karlaftis managed only 6.5. To bolster the edge, Veach is predicted to trade a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 fourth-rounder to the New England Patriots for Joshua Uche, a 27-year-old speed rusher entering free agency. Uche’s 11 sacks in 2022 and 4.5 in limited 2024 snaps show his burst, ideal for Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive schemes. With $12.7 million in cap space, per Spotrac, the Chiefs could extend Uche, pairing him with Jones to pressure elite QBs like Josh Allen. X posts laud Uche’s “sneaky upside,” though detractors question his run defense (PFF grade 58.4).
These trades maximize options by addressing critical weaknesses without gutting the roster. Banks anchors the line for a decade, letting Mahomes cook with Xavier Worthy and a re-signed Kareem Hunt. Uche deepens the pass rush, easing Trent McDuffie’s coverage burden. Veach’s history—nabbing Mahomes, trading Tyreek Hill for picks—shows he thrives under pressure, but risks remain. Overpaying for Banks could haunt if he busts, and Uche’s inconsistency might not justify the cost. Still, with Andy Reid’s play-calling and Mahomes’ magic, these moves could propel Kansas City past AFC foes.
As the April 24 draft nears, Chiefs fans dream of redemption. Will Veach’s gambles secure a fourth ring, or are bolder moves needed? For now, these trades signal one thing: Kansas City’s not done fighting.
