Shocking Trade: Chiefs and Raiders Set to Swap Picks in Rare NFL Draft Deal
In a move that could shake up the upcoming NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders might become unlikely trade partners, marking a rare collaboration between these AFC West rivals. According to ESPN insider Field Yates’ latest two-round mock draft, this potential trade could have significant implications for both teams as they look to build their rosters for the future.
Yates predicted that the Chiefs might trade out of the first round, with the Raiders emerging as a potential suitor to jump back into the back end of the first round. This surprising scenario hinges on a strategic move that would see Kansas City trade down, potentially allowing them to target players they want later in the draft. The Raiders, on the other hand, could be looking to grab a key offensive piece they can’t afford to miss.
Here’s the proposed trade: The Chiefs would move back to the 37th overall pick in the second round and receive a third-round pick (No. 68). In return, the Raiders would move up to No. 31, also sending the Chiefs a late third-round pick (No. 95). This exchange allows Kansas City to slide down six spots in round one but gain an additional 17 picks later in the draft, giving them more flexibility to build their roster.
While this trade remains hypothetical, Yates suggests the Chiefs could still secure a player they would have targeted at No. 31. One possibility? Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons, a first-round talent whose injury history could cause him to fall into the second round. “If healthy, Simmons would be long gone by now,” Yates said. “But Kansas City can afford to be patient after signing Jaylon Moore in free agency. They could give Simmons time to recover and ease him into the offense.”
If the Chiefs miss out on an offensive tackle at No. 37, they could pivot to other needs, such as defensive tackle, edge rusher, running back, or wide receiver. With this deep draft class, they have plenty of options to address various positional needs, and the trade would allow them to maximize value while still filling crucial roles.
This trade proposal adds another layer of excitement to the draft, as both teams could end up making moves that reshape their futures in the AFC. Will the Chiefs and Raiders really make this bold swap? Only time will tell.