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Kansas City Chiefs general manager, Brett Veach, and owner, Clark Hunt, speaking during warmups ahead of game on November 3, 2019.
As they look to retool their roster, the Kansas City Chiefs are ready to attack this crucial offseason.
It begins in free agency, which is less than one week away. The legal tampering period kicks off on Monday, but no deals are official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday. The Chiefs should strike quickly, especially in the defensive line and running back markets.
The latter was the subject of Sports Illustrated NFL analyst Albert Breer’s mailbag questions regarding the Chiefs. Breer believes that Kansas City could pursue a big name running back in free agency, which would open it up to take the top prospect at his postion in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kansas City Chiefs ‘Expected’ to Make Run at RB Kenneth Walker III
GettySeattle Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III
From Breer: “Running back is a big one to keep an eye on. I expect that they’ll at least make a run at Kenneth Walker III in free agency, and add a veteran position in any case, given that they can’t necessarily count on Jeremiyah Love being there at No. 9. There’s not a ton of depth at the position in the draft (outside of Love’s teammate Jadarian Price) beyond him.”
The Chiefs have been heavily speculated to be interested in adding a proven, veteran running back for months now. Walker is the top one on the market, fresh off of being named MVP of Super Bowl LX. In 2025 he rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, also adding 31 receptions for 282 yards. During the postseason he averaged 104 rushing yards per game and totaled 4 touchdowns.
Chiefs Could Consider TE Kenyon Sadiq With Ninth Overall Draft Pick
GettyOregon TE Kenyon Sadiq.
From Breer: “If the Chiefs wind up with Walker, then that would free them up to take a receiver (Carnell Tate?), edge rusher (Rueben Bain Jr.?) or corner (Mansoor Delane) at No. 9. Or, maybe they even think about a Travis Kelce successor in Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq.”
Acquiring a player the caliber of Walker at running back would allow the Chiefs to address other positions of need early on in the draft. If they select Sadiq, not only will they have their tight end of the future, but he would make up a nice tandem with Travis Kelce in 2026 should Kelce decide to return.
Kelce hasn’t officially made his decision on whether he wants to retire or come back for a 14th NFL season yet, but all indications lean toward him returning. During the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Brett Veach said he already has plans in place for whatever Kelce decides to do. Could taking Sadiq be a part of that plan if Kelce retires?
Sadiq is considered the top tight end prospect in this year’s draft. He is already a polished route runner and possesses elite athletic traits. Sadiq set the combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash time by a tight end at 4.39 seconds. Last year at Oregon, he recorded 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.
Nick Roesch Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, with a focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports’ Chiefs Wire, and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. Roesch’s career in sports media spans 10 years. More about Nick Roesch
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