The Tennessee Titans traded wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fifth-round draft pick that could become a fourth-rounder.
Why they made the deal
The undefeated Chiefs (6-0) have struggled, at times, to generate offense — 24.3 points per game, 13th in the NFL — particularly through the air, and knew this wouldn’t be sustainable on their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl.
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Tight end Travis Kelce’s production has plummeted; burgeoning wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee surgery) is down for the season; and running back Isiah Pacheco is out for a while longer with a fractured fibula. The rest of the skill players have flashed, but the consistency has left much to be desired.
GO DEEPER
Scoop City: The history of in-season WR trades
Titans grade: B-
This isn’t going to help Levis get back on track, but the Titans might not be overly optimistic that would have been the case anyway.
The Titans recognized where the season has been heading, and they knew Hopkins wouldn’t have been a long-term fit as they rebuild the roster and continue to look for a long-term answer at quarterback. While it probably stung to take on a chunk of Hopkins’ contract, it’s always encouraging to see a front office essentially pay for a better draft pick.
This was basically the Titans’ way of making the best of a less-than-ideal situation.
More trade:
• Davante Adams: Kudos to Jets for pushing all in; why did Raiders wait so long?
• Amari Cooper: Bills load up; Browns try to make best of bad situation
(Photo: Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images)
