Though headline-grabbing trades haven’t emerged out of Kansas City yet, Andy Reid has been busy at work with minor moves. Over the past week, he has added a new offensive lineman to the practice squad while promoting Kevin Knowles to the active roster. A big-name backfield trade is also expected out of Reid as the Chiefs bounce back from a rough start.

Trading away his players, though? It is a big no as of now for the head coach.

“You got a good middle linebacker. That guy is a good football player… I try to keep all my guys here. They’re the best I can. I’m no dummy. I know how you win games. You have to have good players, and I check the ego at the door on all that stuff,” Reid expressed on 106.7 The Fan.

The HC’s comments were in response to the host’s question about either trading Nick Bolton or George Karlaftis to his team in Washington. But as Reid said, the Commanders already have a solid middle linebacker in Bobby Wagner. This season, he has recorded a total of 73 tackles, two quarterback sacks, and five stuffs. However, more than Washington being self-sufficient in the position, both Bolton and Karlaftis have ensured good production for Reid.

The 25-year-old linebacker has recorded 55 total tackles so far this season, continuing to anchor the Chiefs’ defense as its central communicator. He notched 14 tackles in Kansas City’s 22-9 victory over the Giants, bringing his career total to 513, alongside 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions.

The young Missouri product also re-signed with the Chiefs on a reported $45 million, 3-year contract just this offseason. Karlaftis, on the other hand, is one of KC’s most dependable defensive ends.

With 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks, he has been crucial to preserving defensive consistency in the chaos of injuries and roster changes. There’s a reason Reid agreed to the 24-year-old’s four-year, $93 million contract extension this summer and said, “You know he’s going to do the right things and go 100 miles an hour doing it.”

In a season where the offense struggled to give the Chiefs a good start, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has ensured a solid defense. With 280.3 yards allowed per game, Kansas City ranks fifth in the league, and needless to say, the two young talents have held a crucial role. It is unlikely now that the Chiefs would make any moves to disrupt the momentum. More so, understanding the HC’s telling record.

In 2025, Andy Reid is in his 13th season with the Chiefs. With a 273-146-1 regular season record and a 28-17 postseason record, he has 301 wins overall, good for fourth place in NFL history and first among active head coaches. The fact that he added safety Jaden Hicks and declined to trade Mahomes in 2024 shows that he still views targeted acquisitions as a key component of his approach.

On the other hand, Reid, however, hasn’t shied away from making necessary additions; small as they may be. After bringing in Knowles to the roster, he also signed OT Esa Pole to the practice squad the same week the Jets released him.

Reid’s position confirms his preference for keeping established talent over chasing temporary stability. Weather he pounces on Running Back prospects like Alvin Kamara (suggested by The Athletic) following the team’s struggles in the run game, remains to be seen.

Potential targets for Chiefs ahead of deadline

The Chiefs could look at potential signings if they want to build on the trajectory. Logan Wilson and Alvin Kamara are the two names that come to the forefront.

After seeing his roster spot fade, linebacker Logan Wilson has approached the Cincinnati Bengals about a trade. He has already recorded 41 tackles this season, but after playing 100% of defense snaps against the Detroit Lions.

In the following game against the Green Bay Packers, he only saw 19.7% of the snaps, and the week after that, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he only saw 45.6%. Over 75 games, he has recorded 536 tackles, 11 interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. Due to his decline in playtime, he is now a viable middle-linebacker for Kansas City’s draft needs.

Alvin Kamara, despite being adamant about not leaving New Orleans, has entered the trade conversation. Through seven games, he’s logged 94 carries for 342 yards, averaging 3.6 per carry. Known for his elite pass-catching ability, Kamara still holds a solid 4.2 career average. The Athletic linked him to the Chiefs, calling him a strong trade candidate. With the Saints sitting at 1-6, his Super Bowl hopes are fading fast. In Reid’s system, Kamara’s versatility could be a perfect fit — extending drives and adding much-needed explosiveness.

Kansas City could make a bold move by pairing Kamara’s offensive skill set with linebacker Logan Wilson’s defensive impact. Wilson would strengthen the middle of the defense, while Kamara could reignite the backfield. The Chiefs are barley a week away from making decisions that could define their playoff push.