The Kansas City Chiefs should have at least a semblance of a Super Bowl window for the remainder of quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ career, but winning is a priority in what could be tight end Travis Kelce’s last NFL season in 2026.
Kansas City signaled as much by inking Super Bowl MVP/running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency and maneuvering into position for two first-round picks in this month’s draft: Nos. 9 and 29.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested this week that the Chiefs take an even bigger swing come draft day by moving up from the 9th pick in a play to secure edge-rusher David Bailey of Texas Tech, who led the Division-I collegiate ranks with 14.5 sacks last season.
“I wouldn’t want to sacrifice that No. 29 pick altogether, but if the Chiefs can use that along with No. 9 to move up and then land another Day 2 pick as part of a deal, it might give them a chance at the sort of pass-rushing prospect they wouldn’t normally see at the bottom of Round 1, such as Texas Tech’s David Bailey,” Barnwell wrote.
David Bailey Would Fortify Chiefs’ Defensive Line
GettyPass-rusher David Bailey of Texas Tech.
Bailey would cement the Chiefs’ defensive front for the next few years, lining up across from fellow edge-rusher George Karlaftis, 25, who recently inked a four-year extension worth $88 million that keeps him under contract through 2030.
Karlaftis, a late first-round pick in 2022, has produced 79 quarterback hits, 34 tackles for loss and 30.5 sacks across 65 games played during his four-year career.
The Chiefs already have superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones and his 87.5 career sacks anchoring the group, while the team signed run-stopper Khyiris Tonga to a three-year deal worth $21 million this offseason to bolster its line against the rush.
Securing Bailey could require moving all the way up to No. 2 via a deal with the New York Jets, and would almost certainly mean the Chiefs trading into the top three with either New York or the Arizona Cardinals.
Chiefs Could Stay Put at No. 9 Pick, Land Elite Cornerback or Wide Receiver
GettyLSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Kansas City’s other option is to wait and see if one of the three top-tier edge defenders — Bailey, Arvell Reese or Rueben Bain Jr. — drops into their range.
“The Chiefs could stay put and hope that one of those players at premium positions like wide receiver or edge-rusher fall to them,” Barnwell continued. “Armed with extra draft capital from the Trent McDuffie trade, though, this might be an opportunity for general manager Brett Veach to go big.”
Kansas City also needs to add a cornerback after dealing McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and then losing fellow starting cornerback Jaylen Watson to L.A. in free agency not long after. The Chiefs could potentially have their pick of the CB position at No. 9, depending on how the chips fall.
But moving up for a pass-rusher makes sense, as creating quick pressure on opposing quarterbacks is the best way to mitigate need in the secondary.
Furthermore, a deal for Bailey that adds another Day-2 pick would allow the Chiefs to use the No. 40 selection in Round 2 on the best cornerback or receiver available, and the ranks at those positions should remain solid early on Day 2.
Kansas City also owns the 74th overall selection, and another early second- or third-rounder coming back in a deal that flips Nos. 9 and 29 to either the Jets or Cardinals should provide the Chiefs with the capital necessary to add at least one solid defensive back and one legitimate pass-catcher alongside an elite edge-rusher across Thursday and Friday of the upcoming draft.
Chiefs Urged to Make Blockbuster Trade for Elite Pass-Rusher