3 Chiefs players who will benefit the most from the DeAndre Hopkins trade

The Kansas City Chiefs offense has been so poor and ineffective this season that even the great Patrick Mahomes has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. Due to a combination of red zone issues and injuries, the Chiefs were on the ropes for most of the season.

Brett Veach decided to fix that by trading for former Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, giving up a fifth-round pick that could eventually become a fourth-round pick if certain conditions are met. Even in a compromised state, Hopkins represents a serious improvement to a thin, injured wide receiver room.

Hopkins will provide a boost on his own, but these three players will inadvertently benefit from his presence. This offense was missing a piece, and it seems very likely that Hopkins could be the answer to all their problems if he were anything like what he was in his prime.

3. TE Travis Kelce

Kelce's sharp regression (245 yards receiving, no touchdowns) has many wondering if this could be his final season with the Chiefs. Hopkins' move could be very telling, as it will take some of the defensive attention away from Kelce and show how much the future Hall of Fame tight end still has in the tank.

Kelce won't be playing double-team with Hopkins as often, which will give Mahomes his favorite security blanket back into the swing of things. The threat of what Hopkins, even in his 30s, could do to an opposing defense will ease the burden on an aging Kelce. This in turn benefits the Chiefs.

2. WR Xavier Worthy

Injuries to Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster have changed Worthy's role from an intriguing speed demon who can stretch the field to a key No. 1 receiver expected to beat some of the league's best cornerbacks. The addition of Hopkins will change all of that for the better.

Worthy no longer needs to be thrown into the NFL equivalent of a meat grinder while also trying to find his way in this league. Hopkins can compete with the No. 1 cornerbacks because despite lacking speed, he is still more than capable of beating press coverage and making plays on the field. The Chiefs will finally be able to counter on the offensive side.

1. QB Patrick Mahomes

While it may sound like an excuse to bemoan the lack of help for a player who has reached the dizzying heights that Mahomes has, even the best in the business would have difficulty playing in a Matt Nagy-led offense that features Justin Watson one of them occurs to convince primary targets. Even a limited Hopkins would immediately be the best option for a quarterback currently in crisis.

Although Hopkins may not be a vertical threat, that's why the Chiefs drafted Worthy. Even without Rice for the rest of the season, the contrast between the outstanding Worthy and the ultra-reliable Hopkins should give the No. 15 seed all the tools he needs to get back on track and make a strong playoff push.