3 trade down scenarios that could reshape Chiefs entire draft

Adding depth is the name of the game for the Chiefs this offseason, and one of the best ways to do that in the NFL is through the draft. The Chiefs are a prime example of this, as they are often a year ahead of their needs and use the draft to add depth and prepare for the future. But this year, Kansas City finds itself in a new situation following its worst season in over a decade.

The Chiefs will be picking in the top 10 for the first time since they traded up to select Patrick Mahomes in 2017, and it feels like this is a pick they cannot afford to miss. The Chiefs were able to patch most of their needs through free agency, once again giving Brett Veach the flexibility to maximize the value of the draft.

There are a lot of ways the Chiefs can go to maximize the impact of their draft this year, most of which revolve around their first selection at ninth overall. In a somewhat weak draft class, especially at the top, there are a lot of names being thrown around for the Chiefs to make the most of their draft choice. But what if I told you that the best thing the Chiefs can do is not pick at No. 9 at all?

Trading down for more draft picks is something the Chiefs will almost certainly consider. Despite just acquiring three more draft picks in a trade for Trent McDuffie, if the Chiefs do not have a player they are in love with at No. 9, they could look to add more draft capital by moving back. But what could that type of trade look like, and what might the Chiefs be looking for if they do move down from No. 9?

1. Detroit trades up for a tackle

Lions trade: No. 17, No. 50
Chiefs trade: No. 9

The Lions appear to be heading into the draft desperate to add offensive tackle help, and it is very possible they will not be comfortable sitting at pick No. 17 and hoping their guy falls to them. In a class that is thin, especially along the offensive line, if the Lions feel like their guy is still on the board (e.g., Mauigoa, Freeling, or Fano), they could look to make a big move into the top 10.

The value of the Lions' first- and second-round picks is almost identical to the Chiefs' first, so it would make sense for both sides if the Chiefs felt they could still land their guy at No. 17. One of the top three receivers would likely be on the board, as well as a quality defensive end and maybe their pick of the litter at defensive tackle. Realistically, if the stars align, a draft-day trade between Detroit and Kansas City could be massively beneficial to both teams.

2. Miami makes a small jump

Dolphins trade: No. 11, No. 94
Chiefs trade: No. 9

Kansas City receives pick 11 and pick 94

Similar to how the Chiefs made a big offseason trade to improve their draft capital, Miami did the same a few days ago. In a deal that sent Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, Miami acquired three new draft picks, including a late first-round selection. The Dolphins are clearly hitting the rebuild button, and if they have a player they think could be a cornerstone of that rebuild, they may be willing to get aggressive.

The Dolphins have a clear need for a pass catcher, with one of the worst receiver rooms in the NFL as it stands today. If they feel that Carnell Tate, Jordan Tyson, or Makai Lemon is their guy, it would not be out of the question for them to make a jump. The Chiefs will likely be listening to calls from other teams looking to jump Miami for a pass catcher, and the Dolphins may look to beat them to it with a trade of their own.

For Kansas City, this is a small move, only dropping down two picks, something we have seen Brett Veach be willing to do in the past. If the Chiefs have their eye on a specific non-receiver prospect, it is unlikely that player comes off the board at No. 10 to the Bengals. A move down two spots, while adding another top-100 pick, could be of interest to the Chiefs' front office.

3. Vikings trade up for a DB

Vikings trade: No. 18, No. 49
Chiefs trade: No. 9

The Minnesota Vikings' secondary is concerning, to say the least, and adding a defensive back in the draft will likely be their top priority this offseason. There is a massive drop-off at corner after Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy, and the same is true at safety following Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman. It is very possible that if the Vikings want to add a cornerstone piece to their secondary, they will have to trade up.

Similar to the aforementioned potential trade with the Lions, Kansas City lands an extra top-50 pick and can still land a top prospect at No. 18. One of the top receivers will likely be on the board, as well as several very strong defensive tackle prospects. The best "value" in this draft will come late in the second round, and adding the 49th pick would give the Chiefs another high-value prospect.

4. If anyone offers a first in 2027

Potential suitors: 49ers, Texans, Panthers, Saints

There is no doubt that the Chiefs need to use the 2026 draft to get better next season, but there is also little doubt across the league that this year's class is a weak one, to say the least. On the other hand, the 2027 draft class is shaping up to be a very strong one across the board, not just at quarterback. If the Chiefs get an offer that includes a first-round pick in 2027, it will be hard for Brett Veach to justify turning it down.

Now, a deal will not simply be pick No. 9 for a 2027 first, and it would need to include (at minimum) a top-50 pick in 2026. But the Chiefs know that the 2027 class is loaded at receiver, corner, and edge rusher, and it is not hard to recognize how much more value they can gain by adding a 2027 pick.

When teams make deals that get them future picks from other teams, it often works out. The most recent example is the Rams, who will be picking at No. 13 due to a draft-day deal with the Falcons last year. If the Chiefs could manage to land a top-20 pick in next year's class while still holding three top-50 picks in this year's draft, they would come away as massive winners of the draft this season.