Under-the-radar NFL trade deadline deals that make sense

Janoris Jenkins to the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have been mentioned in conjunction with Patrick Peterson (on multiple occasions), Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick. In other words, if there’s a luxury cornerback available, the Chiefs have eyed the prize.

These days, however, the need doesn’t seem as great at the position. Charvarius Ward has improved as a starter. Rashad Fenton has looked surprisingly solid in relief of Kendall Fuller in the slot. Bashaud Breeland has made his mistakes (penalties), but he was a worthy import. Mo Claiborne is also there providing security and solid play. Even with Fuller shelved after surgery, the defense has bigger issues (something that seems insane given how bad the corners looked heading into the season).

Instead of paying through the nose for a lockdown starter, which the going rate seems to be two firsts and then some, the Chiefs should consider something on the discount shelves. Brett Veach and the team’s front office haven’t made a first round pick since 2017 and, at some point, they’ve got to start restocking the roster with cost-controlled, high-ceiling talent.

In the team’s quest to add some cornerback help without breaking the bank, they should take a long look at Janoris Jenkins of the New York Giants. As an organization, Jenkins represents a well-paid corner at $14.75 million for each of the next two seasons who will turn 31-years-old on the day of the trade deadline. Given their investments in younger defensive backs like Sam Beal, Julian Love, DeAndre Baker, and Corey Ballantine, they should be happy to ship out such a depreciating asset for future considerations.

Jenkins is familiar with Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo already from their years together with the Giants. It’s also clear he’d welcome a return to the system.

Jenkins has four interceptions in seven starts so far this year, including all of those in the team’s last five games, so he’s showing he can make plays at an ideal time, especially if the Cardinals keep Peterson off of the market as they’ve stated. While the Giants would likely love to gain a Day 2 pick for him, the reality is that the Chiefs would do well to part with a fourth round pick in response.

For the Chiefs, losing a fourth is likely going to be a pick near the bottom of that round anyway and Jenkins is on the books for 2020 already. That gives them a veteran who can make an immediate impact because of his familiarity while also being a predictable element for the future of this defense, since only Ward and Fenton are locked up past this season.