STWF | KANSAS CITY, Mo.| Nov. 9, 2025  — Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs went all-in at the trade deadline. With another Super Bowl run firmly in sight, the reigning champions made an aggressive push to strengthen their defense — but their efforts fell short when the Seattle Seahawks abruptly ended talks for linebacker Boye Mafe.

According to multiple reports, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs made a “desperate late bid” to acquire Mafe before Tuesday’s deadline, believing they had struck a deal before Seattle ultimately backed out. The 6-2 Seahawks, currently leading the NFC West and envisioning a deep postseason push, opted to keep their young defensive cornerstone rather than part with him for future draft capital.

Chiefs’ Deadline Push Falls Short

The Chiefs have been among the NFL’s most consistent franchises in recent years, reaching five straight AFC Championship Games and winning three Super Bowls in the Patrick Mahomes era. But as this season’s first half unfolded, Kansas City’s defense — while solid — showed signs of needing another disruptive pass rusher.

Mafe, a 2022 second-round pick out of Minnesota, was the Chiefs’ top target. The 6-foot-4, 261-pound linebacker notched nine sacks in 2023, cementing his place as one of Seattle’s rising stars. However, his production in 2025 has dipped, with only 13 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, and no sacks through eight games.

Despite the statistical slowdown, Kansas City saw Mafe’s combination of speed and strength as a perfect complement to defensive end George Karlaftis and lineman Chris Jones. But as one league source told ESPN, “Seattle had Super Bowl on their mind. They weren’t going to help another contender, especially one like Kansas City.”

Seahawks Stand Pat — Eyes on Lombardi

Seattle’s decision to hold firm was as much about ambition as loyalty. Head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider reportedly fielded multiple calls ahead of the deadline — including offers for Pro Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen — but resisted the temptation to cash in.

Instead, the Seahawks doubled down on their championship aspirations, acquiring wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to bolster an already potent offense led by quarterback Sam Darnold and breakout star Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Seattle currently ranks fifth in the NFL in scoring defense (18.8 points per game), and their young, athletic core remains one of the most complete in the league. The Seahawks’ faith in their defensive identity — anchored by Mafe, Woolen, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks — reflects a franchise looking to make its first deep playoff run since 2014.

Smith-Njigba has been electric, leading the NFL with 948 receiving yards through eight games — the most ever by a player under 25 at that stage of a season. If he records eight or more receptions and 120 yards in each of his next three contests, he’ll become the first player in NFL history to achieve that feat in five consecutive games.

Kansas City’s Missed Opportunities

While Seattle looks ahead to the postseason, Kansas City is left wondering what could have been. The Chiefs’ attempts to upgrade didn’t end with Mafe — they also reportedly made a move for New York Jets running back Breece Hall in the final hours before the deadline.

Per SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Chiefs offered a fourth-round pick, but the Jets countered with a demand for a third, ending negotiations. Hall, who has been one of the league’s most dynamic young runners, expressed his frustration online after the Jets’ roster fire sale sent multiple teammates packing.

“Sick about my bruddas man,” Hall wrote in a since-deleted X post. “Happy for them but man I’m sick rn.”

Had Kansas City landed Hall, it would’ve provided a major boost to an offense that, while potent, has been inconsistent on the ground. The Chiefs currently rank 12th in rushing yards per game, but only sixth in total offense (370.1 yards per game) — impressive by most standards, but below the Mahomes-Reid era’s typical elite output.

The Road Ahead

For now, the Chiefs must rely on their existing roster to make a run at their sixth Super Bowl appearance in seven seasons. Mahomes remains the heartbeat of the offense, with Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and a returning Rashee Rice giving Kansas City’s air attack its usual bite.

Defensively, coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will continue to count on young stars Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie to maintain the unit’s edge. Still, missing out on a proven pass rusher like Mafe could loom large when January football arrives.

Meanwhile, Seattle’s decision to stand pat speaks volumes about its confidence. With Darnold finding rhythm, Smith-Njigba rewriting records, and Mafe anchoring the defense, the Seahawks are signaling one thing loud and clear — they believe their time is now.