Diggs’ arrival to the top of the Houston Texans depth chart, alongside emerging talent Tank Dell and Nico Collins could make snaps hard to come by for Metchie without a trade, and he might prove more valuable to general manager Nick Caserio and the Texans as a trade chip.
Metchie made a triumphant return to the football field in 2023, after his rookie season ended before it had the chance to begin following a leukemia diagnosis.
After beating leukemia, Metchie flashed the ability to create separation and beat receivers over the top that drew the Texans to select him in the second round of the 2022 draft by catching 16 passes for 158 yards last season.
However, given Diggs’ presence combined with the Chiefs’ dire need for an upgrade at wide receiver, Metchie could be on the move from one AFC Super Bowl contender to another.
Would the Kansas City Chiefs Trade for John Metchie to Help Patrick Mahomes?
The Chiefs already made a splash in free agency by signing Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, but the organization’s top priority before and during the NFL Draft remains to upgrade one of the league’s most disappointing receiving corps in 2023.
In a lot of ways, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs won a second consecutive Super Bowl in spite of the receiving corps, rather than because of them.
According to Pro Football Focus, Metchie averaged a healthy 4.9 yards per reception after the catch last season, which would give him the potential to be a deep-threat alongside All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce in Mahomes’ arsenal.
Likewise, the Chiefs’ need at receiver is exacerbated by concerns surrounding Rashee Rice’s availability after his arrest following his alleged involvement in a major accident outside of Dallas.
If the Texans make Metchie available, Kansas City would make an ideal destination.
What Might John Metchie Cost in a Trade?
Metchie could be the type of player, given the recent receiver trades that have gone down, who the Chiefs might be able to pry away for a steal.
That’s especially the case because Houston might need to move off one of their receivers, and could be thrilled just to come away with an asset in return for Metchie.
Whether it’s a sixth-round pick, or a late-round pick-swap that includes Metchie, the Chiefs might be able to pounce on the caliber of player who could be an immediate upgrade — at least in terms of reliability, from the likes of Kadarius Toney.