Among the positions that the Kansas City Chiefs could address early in the 2026 NFL Draft is wide receiver.
That is especially true since they own four selections in the top 75 picks. The Chiefs have met with several receivers throughout the pre-draft process this offseason, and have both current and future needs at the position.
However, something to consider is the activity that takes place around the league after the draft is over. Teams often reshuffle their rosters, which includes parting with playmakers that no longer fit their future plans. That could be the case with a couple of big-name receivers.
Kansas City Chiefs Could Capitalize if WRs DK Metcalf or Brandon Aiyuk Are Released After the Draft
GettySteelers WR DK Metcalf
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently named 10 notable players who could get cut or traded immediately following the draft. First on his list came Aiyuk, who is all but guaranteed to part ways with the San Francisco 49ers very soon.
“The San Francisco 49ers will probably part ways with Brandon Aiyuk at some point in the offseason. Owner Jed York and head coach Kyle Shanahan gave the impression that they’re willing to retain the disgruntled wideout, who’s had little to no communication with the team during his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL. Unlikely to resolve an issue with an uncooperative player, the 49ers should look to move on from Aiyuk, but before they do that, general manager John Lynch could draft a wide receiver to develop for the long term.”
Before his major knee injury, Aiyuk was a two-time 1,000-yard receiver. He hasn’t seen the field since Week 7 of the 2024 season when he sustained his injury, which coincidently was against the Chiefs. Aiyuk’s skillset would fit well in coach Andy Reid’s offensive system, and he should still have some good years left in him at age 28.
Here’s what Moton had to say about Metcalf’s current situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers:
“For now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a big-bodied receiver duo with Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf on the roster. Keep an eye on the contract situation for the latter. After the Steelers acquired Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts, they signed him to an extension. Meanwhile, Metcalf is set to play out the rest of his deal, which runs through 2029, without guaranteed money. There’s almost no chance that Metcalf plays another down on his current contract.”
The Chiefs had reported interest in Metcalf last offseason before he ultimately wound up in Pittsburgh. Like Aiyuk, Metcalf is also still just 28 years old and is a multi-time 1,000 yard receiver. Metcalf has the speed that Kansas City covets in its receivers, and the 6-foot-4 size that it lacks.
Chiefs’ WR Situation Not as Dire as It Seemed a Few Weeks Ago
GettyChiefs WR Rashee Rice
The Chiefs breathed a sigh of relief when the NFL decided it will not take disciplinary action against Rashee Rice following the investigation of a potential violation of the personal conduct policy. Rice will now have the opponent to play a full season for the first time since his rookie year in 2023.
Kansas City has a solid trio in place with Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton. Reid stated just last week that he has big expectations for Worthy to bounce back in 2026 after an injury-riddled 2025 season. Thornton will also take on an increased role with Hollywood Brown leaving during free agency. The Chiefs will also hope to see progression from Jalen Royals, who basically redshirted his rookie year.
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