🚨 BREAKING TRADE BUZZ: Chiefs and Bills Set for Off-Field Rematch — Both Eye Former First-Round DT Ahead of Deadline

Kansas City, MO – November 2, 2025

Just hours after the Kansas City Chiefs’ hard-fought loss to the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, a new front is opening between the two AFC powerhouses — not on the field, but at the negotiation table.

According to multiple league insiders, both the Chiefs and the Bills are preparing to battle again — this time for the services of a former first-round defensive tackle who may soon be on the move before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

🧱 A Rematch That Moves From the Field to the Front Office

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported that the Chiefs are actively exploring defensive tackle options, while the Bills are facing a crisis on their defensive line after a wave of injuries.

“The Chiefs are in the market for a defensive tackle… and the Bills could add on the defensive line with Ed Oliver out indefinitely,” Rapoport said Saturday.

That report quickly sparked speculation that Dallas Cowboys DT Mazi Smith, their 2023 first-round pick, could become the centerpiece of this high-stakes chase. Smith has struggled to find his rhythm in Dallas, recording just 3 tackles this season and losing his starting role.

Sports insider Mike Moraitis of The Sporting News noted that both contenders could make serious bids.

“The Chiefs recently brought back Mike Pennel to pair with Chris Jones, but there’s no doubt the team could use more depth behind those two,” Moraitis wrote. “And in Buffalo, Oliver isn’t the only injury. T.J. Sanders and DeWayne Carter are on IR, and DaQuan Jones is set to miss his second straight game.”

⚡ The Bills’ Injury Avalanche

If that weren’t enough, the Bills took yet another blow in their 28–21 win over Kansas City, losing defensive end Michael Hoecht to a torn Achilles after a torrid start to his comeback from suspension. The loss leaves Buffalo dangerously thin up front — and desperate for reinforcement.

That desperation could set up a trade war between two of the AFC’s most dominant franchises, both still firmly in the playoff hunt and eyeing the Lombardi Trophy.

💰 Chiefs Cautious — But Ready to Strike

Despite the rumors, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Chiefs are unlikely to make any “blockbuster” moves — though defensive depth remains one of their few priorities.

“The Chiefs are inclined to stay put on the offensive side, but they will explore defensive line depth,” Fowler wrote. “They wanted to do so even before rookie DT Omarr Norman-Lott went down for the season with a torn ACL.”

Another ESPN analyst, Aaron Schatz, broke down why Kansas City may see Mazi Smith as a potential fix to a subtle but costly weakness:

“The Chiefs have a need on the edge, but a bigger issue might be an upgrade on Derrick Nnadi, who ranks last among qualifying DTs in run stop win rate (13.2%). He’s also at 0% in pass rush win rate.”

🔥 High Stakes, Familiar Foe

For both franchises, the timing couldn’t be more dramatic — a trade showdown just days after their on-field clash could alter the AFC’s balance of power.

If Kansas City lands Smith, they’ll add fresh energy and size next to Chris Jones in the trenches. If Buffalo wins the bidding, they’ll plug a critical gap that could define their postseason push.

Either way, Chiefs GM Brett Veach and Bills GM Brandon Beane are set for a silent but fierce duel off the field.

And in the NFL’s chessboard of power, sometimes the most decisive battles aren’t fought under stadium lights — but in the quiet hours before the deadline clock runs out.

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