After missing the playoffs last season for the first time in 11 years, the Kansas City Chiefs have bounced back as many expected. They opened the season with a dominant 5-0 record but have since suffered back-to-back losses, largely due to injuries and inconsistent production from their wide receiver group.

One way the Chiefs could get back on track is by adding an explosive wide receiver before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Several names have already come up as potential targets, and now, former Chiefs QB Chase Daniel has thrown another one into the mix: disgruntled San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Chiefs Could Give Brandon Aiyuk a Chance, Says Chase Daniel

During his appearance on “Up & Adams,” Daniel discussed several potential wide receiver additions for the Chiefs with Kay Adams.

Names like Brian Thomas Jr., Jerry Jeudy, Garrett Wilson, Rashod Bateman, Chris Godwin, Jauan Jennings, Calvin Ridley, and Quentin Johnston all came up as possible options. Then Daniel brought up his wildcard candidate: Aiyuk.

“What about this one? … Brandon Aiyuk. He’s going to the 49ers. They have to keep him or release him,” Daniel said.

“Andy [Reid] is known to give second and third chances. Is Brandon Aiyuk in shape? Is he not? It is going to be an interesting standoff because he can report to the 49ers, and the 49ers either have to cut him or keep him,” added the former QB.

Taking a chance on a player with a complicated situation wouldn’t be entirely out of character for the Chiefs. Aiyuk hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2024, and there are still questions about what he could bring to the field if he returns this season. Still, if any team were willing to take a chance on him, Kansas City would be one to watch.

The 49ers could ultimately release the second-team All-Pro after he filed paperwork to be reinstated from the reserve/left squad list, though San Francisco could also keep him or attempt to trade him before the deadline.

If San Francisco releases him and Kansas City signs him as a free agent, the Chiefs would not have to surrender draft compensation or a player.

However, Kansas City is trying to compete for a Super Bowl, and it needs someone who can make an immediate impact. Given that Aiyuk hasn’t played in two years, it would be difficult to count on him to fill that role right away.

One of the Chiefs’ biggest issues has been keeping their current receivers healthy. Rashee Rice has dealt with nagging injuries, while Tyquan Thornton remains on IR after dislocating his left ankle in the Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Xavier Worthy, meanwhile, has yet to consistently deliver when given the WR1 role.

The Chiefs currently rank No. 8 in the league with a PFN Offense Impact Score of 81.2. However, in their loss to Denver this past week, tight end Travis Kelce and running back Emmett Johnson were the team’s two leading receivers.

Kansas City could add another pass catcher before the deadline, and that move could have a significant impact on the team’s playoff push.