Toney's touchdown and crucial punt return helped seal the deal against the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, while Hardman’s overtime touchdown against the 49ers ensured a win in Super Bowl LVIII.

This season, the Chiefs made another bold move, sending a conditional fourth-round pick to the Titans for Hopkins, a 32-year-old veteran receiver. Unlike Toney or Hardman, who were primarily brought in for depth and potential, Hopkins arrives with immediate expectations. He’s not just another weapon in the Chiefs’ arsenal; he is expected to be their No. 1 receiver by the time the playoffs roll around — if not sooner.

Injuries to key receivers have pushed the Chiefs into action. Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, both projected to lead the receiving corps, are currently sidelined. Rice is out for the season with a knee injury, while Brown is recovering from a sternoclavicular injury, with hopes of returning by the postseason. This leaves the Chiefs relying on a group of receivers including rookie Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, and Skyy Moore — none of whom have emerged as a true No. 1 option.

Worthy, the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick in 2024, has shown flashes of brilliance with 15 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns. However, at just 21 years old, he’s still developing. Smith-Schuster is currently nursing a hamstring injury and won’t be playing in the Chiefs' upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even when healthy, the Chiefs didn’t envision Smith-Schuster as their primary target. Watson and Hardman, both serviceable receivers, are viewed more as complementary players, while Moore has struggled to make an impact since joining the team in 2022.

Hopkins, however, brings a proven track record with over 1,000 receiving yards in seven of his 11 NFL seasons, including last year with the Titans. He’s also a five-time All-Pro, a sign of his consistent excellence at the highest level. The Chiefs don’t need Hopkins to be a situational playmaker like Toney or a lucky hero like Hardman; they need him to deliver consistently.

Despite their 6-0 start, Kansas City's brass — led by general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid — recognized the need for a true No. 1 wideout to ensure they can handle the league’s elite teams in the postseason. The trade for Hopkins underscores their commitment to maintaining dominance, especially as they pursue an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Now, the pressure is on Hopkins to live up to the expectations. His performance will be pivotal in determining whether the Chiefs' latest gamble pays off and whether they can make NFL history with another Super Bowl win.
The Kansas City Chiefs have traded for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, hoping he will be the missing piece to secure a third consecutive Super Bowl title. With injuries plaguing their receiving corps, Hopkins is expected to step in as the team’s No. 1 target and help the Chiefs maintain their dominance in the league.