It has become increasingly clear that the Kansas City Chiefs cannot risk re-signing Rashee Rice, as the off-the-field liabilities have become undeniable. Rice can't be relied on to make decisions that will keep the talented 26-year-old on the field and cement him as a building block. With this in mind, fans should begin to look towards the 2027 offseason, realizing the real possibility that this next season will be Rice's last with Kansas City.
He enters the final season of his four-year rookie contract, leaving the Chiefs with the choice of a pricy franchise tag or allowing the veteran to walk away. How this is decided will be the result of the 2026 season, leaving the door open for the two sides to part ways and leading us to look at potential replacements the franchise could explore in the following offseason. Considered below are six Rashee Rice replacements in the form of trade targets, free agency, and the upcoming draft class.
Chiefs cannot afford to keep Rice with these six guys up for grabs next offseason
1. George Pickens
While Pickens has dealt with maturity concerns of his own, the receiver is coming off a dominating 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys. The most capable quarterback situation that Pickens has been offered in his career resulted in 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns despite being overshadowed by the elite talent that is CeeDee Lamb.
Pickens could hit free agency in the 2027 offseason or become a potential trade chip. Either scenario leaves the Chiefs with a very real path to replacing Rice and having a consistent threat that has shown incredible explosive ability.
2. Chris Olave
The only other viable answer scheduled to hit free agency is Olave. The current New Orleans receiver truly has an unknown ceiling due to the limited rosters he has been a part of. Looking back at a list of quarterbacks who have thrown the pass-catcher the football, the level of underwhelming options New Orleans has leaned on becomes glaring.
Olave coming to Kansas City is an increasing possibility with the former first-round selection not having any of the attitude concerns of Pickens and remaining an elite producer. One who could step into the role of Rice and quickly become a fan-favorite for his effort and clutch ability.
3. Cam Coleman
If ever there was a time for Brett Veach to work a bit of magic and trade up, it is in the 2027 draft for a long-term answer at receiver. While Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith remains the inarguable top target heading into the college season, it seems very likely that Smith is an early top-five pick, making a realistic trade-up extremely unlikely. This leaves Coleman as an option and a weapon that could bring stability to the position for years to come.
For Coleman, it is hard to imagine a better landing spot than working with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. The only difficulty is going to be Brett Veach working his way up high enough to add a player of Coleman's caliber who possesses both the talent and mental make-up to replace Rice.
4. Ryan Wingo
If the Chiefs are unable to move up high in next year's draft and still want a chance to replace Rice, Wingo would be the team's best shot. The Texas product is an elite blend of size and speed, offering Andy Reid's group an elite weapon that could quickly fly up draft boards in the 2026 season. It is easy to see the KC coaching staff and front office appreciating the speed of Wingo and liking the fit alongside Tyquan Thornton and Xavier Worthy.
This would be a trio of receivers consistently putting pressure on the opposing defense and opening up consistent big plays for Mahomes. Wingo would be a great option if the Chiefs are unable to get in a position to take a shot at Coleman or Smith.
5. Justin Jefferson
Jefferson is one of the brightest talents the league has seen in recent memory at the position and is quietly being wasted in Minnesota. Losing Sam Darnold has left the Vikings spinning with another rough season, leaving Jefferson's camp with every reason to demand a trade to a more viable landing spot. Kansas City would unquestionably be near the top of the receiver's potential trade landing spots.
Looking at stars that could be seeking a new franchise at the end of the season, Jefferson by far sits at the top of the list. There simply is no arguing against his lack of help at quarterback, and this is unlikely to change with the current duo of J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.
6. Kyle Pitts
While Pitts is listed as a tight end, the pass-catcher is more than capable of lining up at receiver and would fit well within Reid's offensive system. Pitts could be viewed as a potential trade target, currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons on a franchise tag. Whether it is in next year's free agency pool or a trade deadline addition, there isn't any question that Pitts fits firmly within Kansas City's targeted list.
The only question is whether or not the star could be out of the team's comfort zone based on the fact that he has had two great seasons and three average years. Unlike the rest of this list, there is a clear ceiling for what KC should be willing to pay.
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