The Kansas City Chiefs have multiple avenues available if they decide to trade up from the ninth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, depending on their desired draft position. It’s improbable that the team would use their 29th pick to facilitate a move up, so it’s reasonable to consider their second-round pick, the 40th overall, as their most significant trade asset.
Combining the No. 9 and No. 40 picks yields roughly 1,850 points based on the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart. This total could enable a swap with the Tennessee Titans for the fourth overall pick, provided the Titans are open to trading down.
| Chiefs Acquire: | Titans Acquire: |
| 4th overall pick (1800) | 9th overall pick (1350) & 40th overall pick (500) |
| Total Points: 1800 | Total Points: 1850 |
If this trade is too steep for the Chiefs, they might consider pairing their ninth pick with their third-round selection, the 74th overall, to trade up with the Cleveland Browns (6th pick) or the Washington Commanders (7th pick). Let’s examine what a trade with the Browns could look like.
| Chiefs Acquire: | Browns Acquire: |
| 6th overall pick (1600) | 9th overall pick (1350) & 74th overall pick (220) |
| Total Points: 1600 | Total Points: 1570 |
The primary advantage of making such a trade-up would be to secure a top player in a crucial position, something the Chiefs haven’t done in a while. Possible targets could include edge rusher David Bailey from Texas or Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami, or even wide receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State, along with the notable offensive tackle, Francis Mauigoa from Miami.
A deal with the Titans would be a bold move, whereas a trade with the Browns might be easier to rationalize. If Kansas City opts to stay at the ninth spot, GM Brett Veach could still rise up the board using their late first-round pick, which could be a more feasible option.
Acquiring a top-10 pick can be expensive, but moving up from the middle of the first round is typically more achievable. The Chiefs might look for players that fit their needs, similar to when they traded up for cornerback Trent McDuffie with multiple first-round picks previously.
