Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Chiefs Predicted to Pair Patrick Mahomes with 1,800-Yard WR

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 2:09 PM ET

It was a disappointing season for the Kansas City Chiefs. After starting 6-5, they lost six straight games, missing the playoffs and finishing 6-11. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also tore his ACL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

While his ability to suit up to begin the 2026 season is in question, the Chiefs have had plenty of time to evaluate their offseason options. That includes the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

While Mahomes was still solid, throwing for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, he was without a true top wide receiver. Hollywood Brown was Kansas City's leading wide receiver with 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Along with an aging Travis Kelce, Mahomes' targets heading into the 2026 season are far from elite. Already $14 million over the cap, the Chiefs will be limited in free agency, making the draft especially important.

CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli predicts that Kansas City will select Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 9 pick.

"Carnell Tate was always overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, but that's more about Smith than Tate," Fornelli wrote. "After all, Chris Olave and Emeka Egbuka were often overshadowed by other Buckeyes receivers, and they've turned out pretty well. Tate is smooth in everything he does. He's not a burner and isn't overly special after the catch, but he gets open routinely."

Over the past three seasons with the Buckeyes, Tate has racked up 121 receptions, 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns. 2025 was his most effective year, hitting career highs in yards (875) and touchdowns (nine). His Pro Football Focus overall grade of 90.3 ranked fifth out of 676 qualified wide receivers.

He's also coming from a winning culture, winning a national championship in 2024. Tate wouldn't be a stranger to the expectations that come with the Chiefs, who have won three Super Bowls since 2019.

Even if Mahomes couldn't be ready by Week 1, adding Tate gives the two-time MVP an explosive weapon to eventually lean on.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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