With the trade deadline creeping closer, the AFC West is shaping up as a division with a few very different approaches.
Denver is trying to walk a fine line. ESPN’s Jeff Legwold reported the Broncos want to strengthen the roster before the deadline, but they also need to protect enough draft capital to address long-term holes. That matters because several starters are set to hit expiring deals this offseason, so every move has to fit both the short-term push and the bigger picture.
In Los Angeles, the conversation has centered on Khalil Mack, but Jim Harbaugh made it clear where he stands. The Chargers are 0-7 and Mack has been part of the trade chatter, yet Harbaugh said the veteran EDGE is staying where he is.
“I want Khalil Mack here,” Harbaugh said, via PFT. “Khalil Mack wants to be here. He’s one of the pillars of our team.”
Harbaugh also said he is locked in on Week 9 against the Texans and is leaving the personnel side to GM Joe Hortiz and assistant GM Chad Alexander.
“I’m focused on the Texans. I know Joe, Chad, our organization are always looking to improve the team,” Harbaugh said. “I’m focused on getting it turned, forging ahead, striving in every way to play winning football.”
Kansas City, meanwhile, is shopping in the other direction. The Chiefs are looking for help at receiver before the deadline, while cornerback Kristian Fulton is a player they could be willing to move. ESPN reported that angle, and Andy Reid said GM Brett Veach has been working the phones for a month.
“We’ll see where it all goes. He’s great with that… If he can make things happen, we’ll make things happen…”
Las Vegas appears to be taking a much quieter approach. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported the Raiders want to see more from RB Ashton Jeanty, which is why they leaned on fourth-round back Mike Washington this past week. The hope is that it sends a message to Jeanty, and the plan going forward is simple: play the better back, whoever that is.
The Raiders are also expected to mostly stay put at the deadline, with no major additions or subtractions anticipated. Still, they are expected to listen if teams call about OL Jackson Powers-Johnson after he dropped out of the lineup.
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