The Kansas City Chiefs ended the 2025 season on a disappointing note as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017 after losing QB1 Patrick Mahomes to an ACL injury. The wheels seemed to fall off the team, which has also brought up needs at important positions on the roster. But according to ESPN analyst Peter Schrager, the Chiefs might be trading away their costly No. 9 pick in the 2026 draft.

“At nine, Kansas City, which I can tell you could potentially be a trade-back team, to be honest,” Peter Schrager said on the Schrager Hour podcast. “I think Kansas City is looking to collect as many assets as possible, but they don’t usually draft in the top 10.”

This assessment from Peter Schrager stems from the fact that the Chiefs, despite having a losing season, have made moves in the offseason for the present, instead of bringing in players with long-term potential. The biggest indicator for this strategy has been the franchise’s decision to bring back veteran tight end Travis Kelce. Hence, the Chiefs could trade their ninth overall pick to find a player who immediately helps iron out the issues on the roster.

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With these rumors making the rounds, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has suggested the Chiefs could use their top pick in a package involving former first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah for Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. If the trade goes through, Kansas City would pick at the 18th spot in the first round while adding more production to its pass rush department. The Vikings DE would get a fresh start at Kansas City and could tap into his potential to produce more than 10 sacks. That’s immediate action, which could be acquired for a pretty feasible rate.

The team particularly needs a quality edge this offseason, and elite prospects like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Texas Tech’s David Bailey might be picked before the Chiefs get their turn.  On the offensive side of the ball as well, Kansas City may not get the targets it wants. There is an immediate need for a pro-ready receiver to join Rashee Rice and help Patrick Mahomes. Receivers like Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson can also be taken by teams above the Chiefs in the draft order.

Kansas City will very likely address pass-catching needs in the draft instead of looking at a trade. Since Travis Kelce’s retirement seems imminent, they need someone who can carry the baton from him. A former Chiefs player fielded his suggestion.

Ex-Chiefs QB wants Brett Veach and Co. to draft ideal Kelce successor

With the 2026 season expected to be the last one for tight end icon Travis Kelce, former Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel wants the franchise to draft Oregon product Kenyon Sadiq as a replacement for the 36-year-old. Daniel took to social media and pitched his plan for GM Brett Veach and the Chiefs’ front office.

“I can’t stop imagining Kenyon Sadiq landing at 9 with the Chiefs & immediately lining up with Patrick Mahomes,” Daniel wrote on X. “Stop it. My brain can’t handle this.”

While there’s growing speculation about Kansas City trading away its ninth overall pick, the Chiefs can still draft Sadiq as the explosive tight end is projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (roughly picks 11–23), largely considered the top player at his position. While other teams go for the top wide receivers, there is a better chance for the Chiefs to find Sadiq available in the draft.

As the starter for the 2025 season, the former Oregon Ducks TE caught 51 passes for 560 yards and led all tight ends in the country with eight receiving touchdowns, and was named a Mackey Award finalist despite battling injuries. While these aren’t top-class numbers, his brilliant NFL combine performance, where Sadiq had a record-setting 4.39-second 40-yard dash, highlights his potential.

Only time will tell whether the Chiefs will draft Kenyon Sadiq. But fans can expect the team to go big and bold in the draft, since the roster also warrants such a stance.