“They’re 7-0 and haven’t played their best,” S.I.’s Albert Breer dropped this bomb on The Rich Eisen Show on Thursday, highlighting the Chiefs‘ paradox. Despite leading the NFL with an undefeated record, Mahomes’s offense faces unexpected hurdles. The Chiefs already played their first two cards. DeAndre Hopkins ($26 million) and Josh Uche ($3 million) joined the roster, but Breer suggests GM Brett Veach might have one more move brewing before the trade deadline.

The offense needs firepower, especially after Rashee Rice’s season-ending injury and Hollywood Brown’s playoff uncertainty. Hopkins’ Chiefs debut against the Raiders showed promising signs. “I looked back at the tablet and there were a couple of times wherein man coverage he was just really working and winning,” Mahomes praised his new target. Though Hopkins caught just two passes for 29 yards, his impact stretched beyond the stat sheet.

Andy Reid noticed DeAndre Hopkins’ hunger on the sidelines. “He was chomping at the bit… wanting to play,” Reid shared post-game. The veteran receiver converted a crucial third down on the opening drive, showing what Reid called “high-level stuff” despite limited practice time.

Meanwhile, Uche brings defensive muscle with impressive credentials. His 17.2% pass-rush win rate in 2023 ranks 14th among NFL edge rushers with 90+ pass-rushing snaps. Only Chris Jones (18.5%) tops that mark on Kansas City‘s defense. This defensive boost might free up Veach to focus on offensive additions.

What is the Chiefs’ next move after Hopkins?

“Their cap situation…” Breer pointed out the financial tightrope Veach walks. With future contracts looming for Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, and Trent McDuffie, any additional moves require creative financing. The $29 million already spent on Hopkins and Uche shows they’re willing to spend for success.

The numbers tell the story of why more offensive help might come. In his Chiefs debut, Hopkins played just 23 of 72 offensive snaps. Yet his presence helped Travis Kelce grab 10 catches for 90 yards, while Xavier Worthy added four receptions and a touchdown.

Hopkins’ early success mirrors his career trajectory. The three-time All-Pro receiver managed to impress in the run game too, prompting Reid to predict: “Being able to fit in more will even be better, I think, as we go forward here.”

These strategic moves signal the Patrick Mahomes’s Chiefs’ win-now mentality. As Breer noted, they’re dominating without hitting their peak. With the trade deadline approaching, Veach might just have another surprise up his sleeve to push this undefeated team even higher.

Speaking of surprises, want to peek behind the NFL’s strategic curtain? Don’t miss our latest Think Tank exclusive where Trey Holder sits down with NFL marketing powerhouses Emily and Erin Griffin. They’re breaking down football’s global game plan in a conversation you won’t want to skip.