Considering what the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 outlook appeared to be just a few weeks ago, their offseason has provided a glimmer of hope for next season and beyond.
A major reason for that was the haul of draft picks the Chiefs compiled by trading All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Kansas City now owns nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will allow the front office to infuse cheap assets into a roster that is desperate for depth in multiple areas.
The Chiefs also signed running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43.05 million contract, which includes $28.7 million in fully guaranteed money. However, Kansas City still has multiple weaknesses to address at some point, either in free agency or the draft.
Secondary
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) celebrates with teammates Jaylen Watson (35) and Trent McDuffie (22) after an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In addition to trading McDuffie, the Chiefs also lost cornerback Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook in free agency. Watson joined McDuffie, signing a three-year, $51 million contract with the Rams, while Cook signed a three-year, $40.25 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kansas City signed safety Alohi Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million contract, which includes $15 million in fully guaranteed money. It is a solid addition, but the Chiefs are losing three starters from last season's secondary, leaving a major void in the defense.
veac
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Based on the remaining options in the free agent market, it is difficult to envision general manager Brett Veach electing to sign a cornerback.
The Chiefs should utilize the draft as the avenue to address the cornerback position. With three picks in the fifth round, expect at least one of those selections to be invested in a corner. Depending on how the board falls in the first round, Kansas City could add a premier safety in Caleb Downs.
Pass Rusher
Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) celebrates with defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) after a sack during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The top free agent pass rushers have come and gone, leaving the Chiefs with uninspiring options to consider. A.J. Epenesa is a legitimate possibility if Veach wants to strengthen the pass rush through free agency. In terms of a trade, Kansas City could target New York Giants' edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is apparently on the trade block. If the Chiefs can land the 2022 first-round pick, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, for a mid-round draft pick, they should take that into consideration.
Drafting a pass rusher also remains on the table, but that will depend on how the board unfolds, specifically in the first half. Ideally, Kansas City would have the opportunity to land one of the top-three edge rushers in this year's draft, which includes Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr.
Regardless of what the Chiefs ultimately decide, adding a pass rusher is a must, as the team ranked 26th in the NFL with 33 sacks in 2025.