The Kansas City Chiefs offense has been so milquetoast and ineffective this season that even the great Patrick Mahomes has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. A combination of red zone issues and injuries have kept the Chiefs in a spin for most of the season.

Brett Veach decided to solve this by trading for former Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, giving up a fifth-round pick that could eventually turn into a fourth-round pick if certain conditions are met. Even in a compromised state, Hopkins represents a serious upgrade for a thin, damaged wide receiving area.

Hopkins himself will provide a boost, but these three players will inadvertently benefit from his presence. This offense was missing a piece, and it seems very likely that Hopkins could be the answer that solves all their problems, if he could even come close to what he was during his best days.

3. TE Travis Kelce

Kelce’s sharp decline (245 yards receiving, no touchdowns) has many wondering if this could be his final season with the Chiefs. The Hopkins trade could be very revealing as it will take some of the defensive attention away from Kelce and show how much the future Hall of Fame tight end has left in the tank.

Kelce won’t be double-teamed with Hopkins in the mix as often, which will put Mahomes’ favorite security blanket back in full swing. The threat of what Hopkins could do to an opposing defense, even in his 30s, will lessen the burden on the aging Kelce. This, in turn, will benefit the Chiefs.

2. WR Xavier worthy

Injuries to Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster have changed Worthy’s role from an intriguing speedster who can stretch the field to a crucial No. 1 receiver expected to cover some of the best cornerbacks in the league. The addition of Hopkins will change all that for the better.

Worthy no longer needs to be thrown into the NFL equivalent of a meat grinder as he tries to find his way in this league. Hopkins can handle the No. 1 cornerbacks because he is still more than capable of beating press coverage and making plays down the field despite a lack of major speed. The Chiefs will finally be able to counter on the offensive end.

1. QB Patrick Mahomes

While it may sound like an excuse to complain about the lack of help for a player who has reached the dizzying heights that Mahomes has, even the best in the business would struggle to execute a Matt Nagy offense in which Justin Watson as one of the best. primary goals. Even a limited Hopkins would immediately become the best option for a quarterback currently slumping.

While Hopkins may not be a vertical threat, that’s why the Chiefs drafted Worthy. Even without Rice for the rest of the season, the contrast between the fiery Worthy and the ultra-reliable Hopkins number 15 should give him all the tools he needs to get back on track and make a deep playoff push.