Chiefs Trade with Patriots: Ditch Round 1 for Patriots’ Picks in Roster Reload Bid

Kansas City, MO – April 2, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs have flipped the script on their draft playbook, trading their No. 31 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the New England Patriots for a haul of selections, sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday. In a move that swaps flash for depth, KC lands picks No. 38 (second round), No. 106 (fourth round), and No. 144 (fifth round)—a roster reload gambit after their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles.

GM Brett Veach, known for leaping up—like snagging Trent McDuffie in 2022—went the other way this time. The Chiefs’ 40-22 Super Bowl flop exposed cracks, and with the bulk of their stacked 2022 class (think McDuffie, Isiah Pacheco) hitting free agency in 2026, Veach’s banking on volume. “We need bodies across the board,” a team source said. “This reloads us for the long haul.”

The deal pumps KC’s 2025 draft stash to 10 picks—two each in rounds two, three, and four, one in five, and three in seven. It’s a throwback to 2022, when Veach flipped Tyreek Hill for a pick bonanza that rebuilt the defense. Now, sliding back seven spots from 31 to 38 nets similar ammo without losing a star. Those late picks could fuel mid-round jumps if Veach spies a gem come April 24-26.

For the Patriots, nabbing No. 31 is a cheap first-round grab—perfect for a team eyeing a QB or tackle to shield Drake Maye. Chiefs Kingdom’s buzzing on X: “Veach trading down? Genius—stack that roster!” one fan tweeted. Another mused, “Ten picks? We’re rebuilding the dynasty!”

It’s not sexy, but it’s smart. With Mahomes still slinging, this trade bets on depth to keep KC’s title window wide open. The Chiefs aren’t chasing stars—they’re building an army.