Chiefs ‘in discussions’ over shock trade to leap up NFL Draft board but rival has similar plan

The Kansas City Chiefs could be about to shake up the 2026 NFL Draft.

For the first time in almost a decade, the franchise that has become so used to picking a player late in the first round holds a top-10 selection.

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A disappointing 6-11 finish in 2025 ensures Kansas City is ready to rebuild from near the top of the draft board this time around.

The Chiefs hold both the No. 9 and No. 29 picks, the latter coming thanks to a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, but have been tipped to climb even higher.

“I think the fans will be in for a treat next Thursday,” general manager Brett Veach teased last week.

“It should be an entertaining night… there will probably be a lot of trades.”

Chiefs tipped to find top 5 trade partner

With their first pick, Kansas City is expected to target a cornerback, offensive tackle or pass rusher.

Attentions could then later turn to a ‘hidden gem’ of a quarterback come Day 3.

But should they wish to secure one of the best pass-rushers in Round 1, the Chiefs would need to trade up.

David Bailey and Arvell Reese are the two top defensive players on the board, and will be gone long before KC is on the clock with the ninth overall pick.

GM Veach has teased a lot of trades come draft night, and one of those could see the Chiefs find a partner in the Arizona Cardinals, which currently holds the No. 3 pick.

According to PHNX Sports, general manager Monti Ossenfort has ‘already engaged in early trade discussions‘ with Veach.

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Details of the discussion remain vague, but any deal would ‘almost certainly need to include’ pick No. 29, which the Chiefs acquired earlier this offseason in the deal that sent Trent McDuffie to LA.

“While Ossenfort would likely demand more compensation, it’s questionable to assume he’ll get it, especially when you consider the fact that the Cardinals have largely made it known that they’d prefer to trade down,” the PHNX Sports report added.

If a deal can be reached, the Chiefs would almost certainly bring Bailey or Reese to Arrowhead Stadium.

There will no doubt be more movement up and down the board too.

With the draft just days away, one NFL reporter has predicted a big shake up.

Cowboys are team to watch as draft talks heat up

The Dallas Cowboys are said to be keen to moving up, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has revealed that discussions are under way across the league ahead of Thursday’s big event.

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“Teams starting to work phones for trades up/down,” he posted on X Saturday, sharing a clip of his draft preview for the network.

“Belief in league circles is that Arizona (No. 3 pick), Tennessee (No. 4) both open to moving back.

“Many watching Dallas (No. 12/No. 20) closely, due to obvious defensive needs. Cowboys not overly active on phones yet.

“Open-minded about potential move but also comfortable staying put. Next week will bring more clarity.”

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With both the Cardinals and the Titans open to moving back, the 2026 draft order could seriously shift in the coming days.

If all goes right, the Chiefs and Cowboys could find themselves on the clock far sooner than first expected.

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