{"id":268435,"date":"2026-03-09T09:30:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=268435"},"modified":"2026-03-09T07:51:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T11:51:22","slug":"bold-chiefs-offseason-moves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/03\/09\/bold-chiefs-offseason-moves\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Bold Offseason Moves the Kansas City Chiefs Could Make in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Kansas City Chiefs are in a rare position in the NFL. They are competing for championships while also preparing for the next phase of the roster. With Patrick Mahomes<\/span><\/span><\/a> still in his prime and Andy Reid<\/span><\/span><\/a> running one of the league\u2019s most creative offenses, Kansas City can\u2019t afford to stand still.<\/p>\n

The Chiefs don\u2019t necessarily need safe moves this offseason. They need bold ones. Moves that balance short-term contention with long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n

Here are three aggressive roster moves Kansas City could explore this offseason.<\/p>\n

Bold Move No. 1: Take a Swing at Marvin Harrison Jr.<\/h2>\n

The first bold move would be Kansas City exploring a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Cardinals<\/span><\/span> for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A hypothetical framework could involve the Chiefs sending Rashee Rice<\/span><\/span><\/a> plus a late first-round or second-round pick to Arizona in exchange for Harrison.<\/p>\n

On paper, that may sound unlikely. Harrison was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and Arizona invested heavily in him as a franchise receiver.<\/p>\n

But the situation around the Cardinals is evolving quickly.<\/p>\n

Reports suggest Arizona is listening to offers for Harrison after an uneven start to his career. Through two seasons, he has totaled 103 catches for 1,493 yards and 12 touchdowns<\/strong>. Those are solid numbers, but not quite the immediate superstar production expected from a top-five pick.<\/p>\n

Why Arizona Might Listen<\/h3>\n

There are also organizational changes happening in Arizona. The team recently moved on from quarterback Kyler Murray<\/span><\/span><\/a>. That creates uncertainty at the most important position in football. With a potential reset underway, the Cardinals could be open to collecting picks and reshaping the roster.<\/p>\n

From Kansas City\u2019s perspective, there are reasons to at least consider moving Rice. The young receiver has been productive when on the field. However, his future carries risk due to off-field legal issues. Those include the 2024 multi-vehicle crash and ongoing legal matters that could lead to a lengthy suspension.<\/p>\n

That uncertainty could push the Chiefs to explore alternatives.<\/p>\n

Harrison would give Mahomes something the offense has lacked since the departure of Tyreek Hill<\/span><\/span><\/a>. He is a true No. 1 wide receiver with elite size and catch radius. At 6’4″<\/strong>, Harrison can dominate on the boundary, win contested catches, and stretch the field.<\/p>\n

Kansas City\u2019s offense thrives on versatility and matchup problems. Harrison paired with Mahomes could quickly become one of the league\u2019s most dangerous quarterback-receiver duos.<\/p>\n

Even if the odds of a deal are slim, this is exactly the type of bold swing Kansas City should at least explore.<\/p>\n

Bold Move No. 2: Buy Low on Kayvon Thibodeaux<\/a><\/h2>\n

The Chiefs have consistently found ways to manufacture pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Adding another true edge threat would take the defense even further.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Kansas City should monitor the situation surrounding Kayvon Thibodeaux<\/span><\/span> of the New York Giants<\/span><\/span>.<\/a><\/p>\n

League sources indicate the Giants are exploring trade options for the former No. 5 overall pick. Salary cap concerns and a crowded edge room play a role. That group now includes Brian Burns<\/span><\/span><\/a> and Abdul Carter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thibodeaux\u2019s 2025 season was disappointing. He finished with 2.5 sacks. Still, the physical talent that made him a top-five pick remains.<\/p>\n

Sometimes players simply need a new environment and role.<\/p>\n

Trade projections suggest the Giants could accept a third- or fourth-round pick. A player-for-player swap is also possible.<\/p>\n

Why Kansas City Could Be the Right Fit<\/h3>\n

Kansas City could structure a deal creatively. One option would be swapping picks with New York. The Chiefs could move their late first and second round selections. In return, they could receive the Giants\u2019 second and third round picks while adding Thibodeaux.<\/p>\n

That move would allow Kansas City to keep a top-10 selection while addressing the pass rush.<\/p>\n

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo<\/span><\/span><\/a> has a history of revitalizing talented edge players. In the right role, Thibodeaux could thrive. A strong defensive line rotation and an aggressive scheme could help unlock his talent.<\/p>\n

Sometimes the best moves aren\u2019t about acquiring superstars. They are about finding talented players whose value is temporarily depressed.<\/p>\n

This would be exactly that.<\/p>\n

Bold Move No. 3: Draft Travis Kelce\u2019s Successor<\/h2>\n

For nearly a decade, Travis Kelce<\/span><\/span><\/a> has been one of the most important players in the Chiefs\u2019 dynasty.<\/p>\n

But the reality is simple. Kelce will not play forever.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Kansas City should consider drafting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq<\/span><\/span><\/a> as the long-term successor.<\/p>\n

The boldness in this move comes from not forcing the edge rusher pick at No. 9. If the top prospects Rueben Bain<\/a>, David Bailey<\/a>, and Arvell Reese<\/a>\u00a0are gone, the Chiefs shouldn\u2019t reach. Instead, they could take a player who contributes now and develops into a long-term weapon.<\/p>\n

Sadiq has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 draft. At 6’3″ and 241 pounds, he combines elite athleticism with modern tight end versatility.<\/p>\n

At the NFL Combine, Sadiq posted eye-opening numbers:<\/p>\n