Brett Veach watched the 2025 NFL trade deadline pass without pulling the trigger. The Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager chose to rely on his current roster over external upgrades. That decision now draws sharp criticism as the reigning AFC champions face mounting challenges.The Chiefs inquired about New York Jets running back Breece Hall before the deadline. Other conversations likely happened behind closed doors. Zero moves materialized when the clock struck the deadline.
Roster Holes Remain Unfilled Despite Clear Needs
Mike Jones of The Athletic placed Kansas City in his trade deadline losers column. The reasoning cuts straight to exposed weaknesses. The running back room desperately needed reinforcement, and the defensive line lacks sufficient support for Chris Jones.
Xavier Worthy returned healthy and Rashee Rice came back from suspension. Those additions don’t address the larger issues. The team still operates without a dynamic backfield threat or adequate pass-rush depth.
Isiah Pacheco leads Chiefs rushers with just 329 yards. He averages 4.2 yards per carry and now nurses an MCL injury that kept him out of Week 9’s loss to Buffalo. The injury leaves him week-to-week at best.Kareem Hunt excels in short-yardage situations, but asking more invites risk. Rookie Brashard Smith hasn’t broken through yet. Elijah Mitchell signed in the offseason but hasn’t played a single snap. The team elevated Clyde Edwards-Helaire from the practice squad for Week 9, and he managed 2 carries for 5 yards.
Adding Hall or even a mid-tier back would have lifted pressure off Patrick Mahomes. The quarterback needs reliable ground support to maximize Kansas City’s offensive efficiency.
Kansas City Relies on Chris Jones While Post-Bye Stretch Looms Large
Chris Jones carries enormous responsibility up front without adequate help. George Karlaftis provides outside pressure, but that’s essentially it. Jones handles pass rush leadership and absorbs constant double teams at age 30-plus.
The Chiefs sit at 5-4 with a limited margin for error. Their post-bye schedule ranks 15th in difficulty among all teams. That presents neither easy wins nor impossible odds, just the grind of football ahead.
A trade might have positioned Kansas City better for what’s coming.
After their Week 10 bye, the Chiefs face a critical two-game stretch against top AFC teams. In Week 11, they travel to take on the 7-2 Denver Broncos, who lead the AFC West and are tied for the best record in the conference. The following week, they host the 7-2 Indianapolis Colts, who share the top spot in the AFC.
