Analyzing a Potential KC Chiefs Trade for Arizona Cardinals WR Marquise Brown

Assessing how sensible it would be if Kansas City made a move for Brown near the 2023 NFL trade deadline.

The 2023 NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and speculation on potential moves will only grow more and more prominent in the days leading up to it. The Kansas City Chiefs boast one of the best rosters in the league but despite that, there's one position that's been subject to plenty of criticism in recent weeks.

Six games into the season, the Kansas City wide receiver group has been largely underwhelming. Not only are some players struggling to stay healthy, but others are playing an inconsistent brand of football when on the field and have yet to get on the same page as quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Many fans are pounding the table for an external acquisition to be made as a result, even after head coach Andy Reid recently expressed that he didn't believe such a move was necessary.

One popular hypothetical trade target being floated around in Chiefs circles is Arizona Cardinals wideout Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. Brown, who was acquired by the organization in April of 2022 in a package highlighted by a first-round draft pick, has hauled in 96 passes for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns across 18 games (16 starts) with the team. The former Oklahoma standout is still just 26 years old and remains a dangerous threat in year No. 5 in the league, although he'll also be a free agent after this year and also carried a $13.4 million cap hit into the season. 

There have been rumblings about Brown being moved, but nothing is imminent and there certainly hasn't been any reported interest on the Chiefs' side. With that said, would it make sense for Kansas City to pick up the phone and call Arizona about its young pass catcher? To break everything down, Donnie Druin of All Cardinals was kind enough to join me and answer some questions relevant to the situation.

Brown is still churning out his usual production despite his situation. Is there any untapped potential left?

DD: You know that meme of the Bugatti under the roof of a trailer park? That's basically Brown right now in Arizona. Is he one of the elite receivers in the league? Certainly not, though he clearly is a talented receiver when given the opportunity and even with how bad the Cardinals currently are, he's still proving his worth. It's hard to imagine him not thriving in a new situation.

How serious is the current trade buzz surrounding Brown?

DD: The buzz is certainly loud and there's good reason for it. I haven't personally heard anything on the Cardinals shopping him, but general manager Monti Ossenfort has shown he'll part ways with anybody who doesn't fit their future plans. With Brown hitting free agency in 2024, Arizona having previously pivoted to a rebuild last offseason and Michael Wilson emerging as a strong rookie, the buzz makes sense.

What's the most realistic return Arizona would demand in a trade scenario?

DD: Aim high and negotiate down, right? The Cardinals sent a first-round pick for Brown but they have to be realistic in terms of what they could get back. Any team trading for him would have to pay him, and Brown hasn't quite shaken the injury bug. I think the Cardinals would ask for a second-round pick but likely end up settling for a third-rounder with maybe a late-round swap as well.

Explain the salary cap ramifications of a team acquiring Brown

DD: The biggest ramification is he'll be a free agent after this season, so you have to be willing to spend on Brown to keep him around moving forward. If I'm Brown's camp, I'm looking at that Christian Kirk contract (four years, $72 million) as a baseline for what Brown could probably get as the salary cap continues to rise. Brown can easily outproduce Kirk, so on a dollar-for-dollar comp that's not awful.

In your estimation, does Kansas City make a suitable partner for Arizona and Brown?

DD: Kansas City almost seems like a perfect fit. The Chiefs need a quality receiver, the Cardinals want somewhat good draft capital for their guy and would also be sending him to the opposite conference while Brown lands on a team that would likely be happy to pay for him - plus who doesn't want to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl every season? It feels like a win-win for both sides.

For additional thoughts on the Brown situation and the Cardinals' 2023 season, be sure to follow Donnie on X @DonnieDruin and bookmark All Cardinals.

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