In the NFL, the best trades are often made when capitalizing on the urgent needs of your trade partner.
The Kansas City Chiefs look to be one of those trade partners in 2024. Superstar wide receiver Rashee Rice, who was on the way to a monster season through three games, suffered a scary knee injury, which may or may not keep him out for the rest of the season.
Having already lost running back Isiah Pacheco to a broken femur, the Chiefs skill position group is in shambles. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have receivers to spare, and may not be in the playoff hunt once the trade deadline arrives.
That sets the Chiefs and Bears up as potential allies in a trade, and one member of the Bears stands out as a candidate to be dealt. Kevin Patra of NFL.com listed six-time Pro Bowl wideout Keenan Allen as a possible Rice replacement in a recent column.
"Remember, the Bears acquired Allen -- set to be a free agent after the season -- from the Chargers before they knew they'd land Rome Odunze in the draft," Patra said. "Rolling with DJ Moore and Odunze while recouping draft assets for Allen (whom they landed in exchange for a fourth-rounder) makes some sense for a Bears offense that got out of the gate wobbly."
Allen missed two games already this season with a heel injury, but he's still a very productive player when healthy. He put up 1,243 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games last season with his original team, the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chiefs saw Allen with the Chargers for 11 years before he was traded to Chicago, so no one is more familiar with the threat he can pose for an opposing defense. The question then becomes whether the Bears see fit to trade Allen months after acquiring him in the first place.
But the Chicago offense hasn't gotten off the ground like many thought it would in 2024, and Odunze looks like a future star receiver in his own right. Removing Allen from the equation could allow the younger Odunze room to blossom, while also stocking the cupboard with a high draft pick to use elsewhere.
More NFL: Bears predicted to land nine-time Pro Bowler to protect Caleb Williams
