The Kansas City Chiefs’ disappointing 6-11 season has left the fanbase searching for answers, but ownership and leadership are already plotting a comeback. With the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—their highest selection since trading up for Patrick Mahomes in 2017—the Chiefs have a golden opportunity to retool their roster. Here’s what you need to know about the draft prospects and potential trades that could reshape Chiefs Kingdom.
Our Biggest Need: Edge Rusher
The defense generated just 12 takeaways in 2025, the third fewest in the league, primarily because the pass rush couldn’t generate consistent pressure. Steve Spagnuolo’s unit desperately needs an above-average pass rusher to pair with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey has become the consensus draft crush for Kansas City. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound edge rusher led all of FBS with 81 pressures, 15 sacks, and 23 quarterback hits in his final season. Bailey possesses exceptional speed off the snap, excellent hip flexibility for tight cornering, and a refined array of pass-rush moves. While he needs development against the run, his explosiveness and athleticism make him the perfect fit for Spagnuolo’s system. Multiple mock drafts have him connected to Kansas City at pick nine.
Secondary Options: Running Back and Cornerback
If the Chiefs don’t go pass rusher, running back is another glaring need. Jeremiyah Love has been linked to Kansas City in several mock drafts as a potential game-changing back that could revitalize the offense. The cornerback position is also on the radar, though it could become more important if the McDuffie trade materializes.
The McDuffie Trade Scenario
Here’s where things get interesting. Two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie could be dealt this offseason, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams frequently mentioned as suitors. The Chiefs are $58 million over the salary cap heading into 2026, and trading McDuffie would free up $13.6 million while yielding a first-round pick or additional draft assets.
Precedent exists: the Chiefs previously traded cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee for draft capital rather than pay a steep extension. Rookie cornerback Nohl Williams surprisingly overperformed last season, giving Kansas City the depth to consider this move. If the Chiefs trade McDuffie to the Rams or Buccaneers, they could collect an early-to-mid-first round pick, significantly expanding their draft capital.
The Reboot Plan
With coaching changes already underway—including Eric Bieniemy’s return as offensive coordinator—the front office is signaling major changes ahead. Owner Clark Hunt emphasized the need to eliminate inconsistency across all three phases of the game. Brett Veach has the tools to work with: six draft picks in the first five rounds, potential additional capital from a McDuffie trade, and roughly $30 million in freed-up cap space after strategic cuts and restructures.
This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a strategic reset that positions the Chiefs to contend immediately once Mahomes returns from his ACL injury. The 2026 draft class and potential trades could determine whether Chiefs Kingdom roars back in 2026 or remains in limbo.