As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the 2025-26 NFL season, General Manager Brett Veach is making bold moves to refine the roster of the reigning AFC champions. With the regular season approaching, Veach and his team are not only streamlining their lineup but also scouring the market for talent that could bolster their already formidable squad. A recent trade proposal, floated by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell on August 25, has sparked significant buzz, suggesting the Chiefs are in discussions with an NFC team to shake up their roster.
The Trade Proposal: Wanya Morris for Clark Phillips III
Barnwell’s proposal involves the Chiefs trading their 2023 third-round pick, offensive tackle Wanya Morris, along with a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for cornerback Clark Phillips III. This move would address a potential need in Kansas City’s secondary while leveraging their depth at the offensive tackle position.
Barnwell’s reasoning hinges on the Chiefs’ robust offensive line depth. With Kingsley Suamataia transitioning to tackle and the recent signing of Jaylon Moore as a swing tackle, Kansas City appears well-equipped up front. “If the Chiefs are set on Suamataia at tackle while Moore handles swing duties, they could consider moving Morris,” Barnwell wrote. “This would allow them to acquire a much-needed cornerback in Phillips, who may be on the roster bubble in Atlanta. The third-year pro has been a solid backup corner over his first two seasons, though he’s had some struggles at the position. Phillips is dealing with a rib injury but could settle in as Kansas City’s CB4 by season’s end.”
Who is Clark Phillips III?
A former standout at Utah, Clark Phillips III was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round (No. 113 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Over two seasons in Atlanta, he has appeared in 27 regular-season games, amassing 62 tackles (four for loss), 10 passes defensed, and one interception. His performance metrics paint a promising picture: Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 19 cornerback out of 222 eligible players, with strong grades in coverage (No. 20) and run defense (No. 40). However, his passer rating allowed has been inconsistent, jumping from 88.8 as a rookie to 107.5 last season.
Despite this, Phillips, who will earn less than $3 million against the salary cap in 2025 and 2026, represents a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Chiefs. His versatility and potential make him an intriguing fit for a Kansas City defense aiming to fortify its secondary, often referred to as the “Fortress” for its ability to stifle opposing offenses.
Why Move Wanya Morris?
Wanya Morris’ tenure with the Chiefs has been underwhelming. The 2023 third-round pick has struggled to secure a consistent role at either left or right tackle. After appearing in four games as a rookie, Morris played in 11 of 14 regular-season games last year but failed to lock down a starting spot. His lack of durability and poor tape have relegated him to the bench, with Suamataia overtaking him as the primary tackle option.
The Chiefs have explored multiple solutions at the position, including signing veteran DJ Humphries and even shifting left guard Joe Thuney to tackle. However, as Barnwell noted, these experiments have yielded mixed results. “Not many teams are willing to part with experienced tackles at this stage of the season,” he wrote. “One of the few exceptions might be Morris, who was expected to take over at left tackle after Suamataia was benched early last season but underperformed. The Chiefs eventually moved Thuney to tackle, a decision that contributed to their loss against the Eagles in the Super Bowl.”
With the addition of Moore and first-round pick Josh Simmons, alongside the return of Jawaan Taylor at right tackle, Kansas City’s offensive line is in good shape. Developmental prospects like Esa Pole and Ethan Driskell further enhance their depth, making Morris expendable. Trading him could allow the Chiefs to address a more pressing need in their secondary without sacrificing significant draft capital.
A Strategic Move for a “Fortress” Defense
The proposed trade aligns with Veach’s aggressive approach to roster-building, prioritizing a defense that can dominate in critical moments. Phillips’ addition would provide depth and flexibility at cornerback, complementing Kansas City’s existing defensive stars. His ability to generate tackles for loss and disrupt passes could make him a valuable rotational piece, particularly as the Chiefs aim to maintain their defensive dominance in the AFC.
While Phillips has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and current rib injury introduce some risk. However, his low cap hit and high upside make him an attractive target for a team like Kansas City, which has a knack for turning undervalued players into key contributors.
Is the Trade Realistic?
Barnwell’s idea is far from far-fetched. The Chiefs have the offensive line depth to part with Morris, and their history of savvy roster moves suggests Veach is unafraid to take calculated risks. Acquiring Phillips could solidify their secondary, ensuring the “Fortress” defense remains a cornerstone of their championship aspirations. As Week 1 of the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Veach to see if this blockbuster trade comes to fruition.