Chiefs Rumored to Consider Trading Up for Top Edge Rushers in 2026 NFL Draft

Kansas City has met with several top defensive prospects, sparking speculation of a potential move up in the draft.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly considering trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft after meeting with several top edge rusher prospects, including David Bailey from Texas Tech and Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami. The team owns two first-round picks and could use them to move up the board and select an elite pass rusher to bolster their defense.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season and will be looking to get back into playoff contention. Adding a dominant edge rusher through the draft could be a key part of their offseason plans to rebuild the roster around star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The details

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs have met with several top edge rushing prospects ahead of the draft, indicating they may be looking to trade up to secure one of the elite pass rushers. Rapoport noted that the last time the Chiefs traded away a star player (Tyreek Hill) for draft capital, they were able to completely retool their defense. The team owns the 9th and 29th overall picks in the first round, giving them the flexibility to potentially package those selections and move up the board.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in late April.

The players

David Bailey

A top edge rusher prospect from Texas Tech who is projected to be a top-five selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Rueben Bain Jr.

An edge rusher prospect from the University of Miami who is projected to be selected in the early first or second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs who is looking to bounce back from a knee injury that plagued the team's 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“What's interesting to me, that the Chiefs have visited with couple really good pass rushers who should go earlier than they pick. Which means, at least, they are looking at the potential of moving up in the draft and taking an edge rusher who could be potentially elite.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue to evaluate their options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, including the possibility of trading up to select a top edge rusher prospect to bolster their defense.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' reported interest in trading up for a premier pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft signals their commitment to rebuilding their roster and returning to playoff contention next season. By potentially sacrificing draft capital or a star player, Kansas City is demonstrating a willingness to be aggressive in addressing their defensive needs through the draft.