Team No. 3 who could trade for Minnesota Vikings OLB Za'Darius Smith
Kansas City Chiefs
Would it shock anyone to see the defending Super Bowl Champions make a move that increases their chances for a repeat in 2023? It could very well happen, and that move could be trading for veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith.
At first blush, it may seem that Smith wouldn't be a great fit for the Chiefs' base 4-3 defense. It would require him to rush with his hand in the dirt, and while he can do that, he's much more effective rushing from two legs. Steve Spagnuolo does mix up his fronts, and while 4-3 is their base, he provides many different looks and formations, and Smith could see plenty of snaps while playing standing up.
The Chiefs did upgrade at defensive end with their first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah but could look for a veteran who can teach him the ropes and lead by example. Smith could fill that role nicely, and he could even replace the Chiefs free agent signing Charles Omenihu, who could see punishment from the league for his misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
If the Chiefs want to stay on top of the NFL, they can't get complacent. Making a splashy trade for a pass rusher like Za'Darius Smith would definitely help their chances of a repeat.