Chiefs could replace DeAndre Hopkins with star player they were previously linked to in shock move

Every offseason, a select number of high-profile veterans become available in free agency. That's the nature of the business in the NFL. Change is constant, particularly for those players who demand a lot of money on poor teams. That's the biggest reason Davante Adams was released by the New York Jets on Tuesday.

This comes a few days after Aaron Rodgers, Adams' best friend and the main reason he ed New York. The Jets are rebuilding and need to clear up cap space. Meanwhile, with Adams available, some contenders will likely be lining up to sign him. Could the Kansas City Chiefs be one of them?

Chiefs were linked to Davante Adams in trade rumors in 2024

Back when Adams was put on the trade block by the Las Vegas Raiders in the middle of the 2024 season, the Chiefs were heavily rumored to be one of the teams angling for his services. At that time, Kansas City was dealing with several injuries at the position and needed help of any kind. Ultimately, Adams was traded to the Jets for what turned out to be a third round pick.

The Chiefs ended up trading for DeAndre Hopkins nine days later, for a cheaper price of a fifth round pick. Hopkins only had a big impact in a couple of regular season games, and was non-existent in the playoffs. Adams is only slightly younger than Hopkins, but appears to have more juice left in the tank.

Adams went on a tear since the turn of December in 2024, scoring six touchdowns in six games while accumulating 576 yards on 41 receptions. He showed a gear that many thought he had lost. Playing with his old friend in Rodgers surely helped, but catching es from Patrick Mahomes could unlock that elite talent despite his advancing age.

The Chiefs could very well lose nearly their entire wide receiver room to free agency this offseason. Bringing in a veteran like Hopkins to pair with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could be the logical move.