JUST IN: How does NFL’s clearance of Rashee Rice impact the Chiefs’ draft plans?Does Kansas City still need to select a wide receiver with one of its first-round picks?

This time last week, wide receiver was perceived by many – myself included – as arguably the greatest position of need on the Kansas City Chiefs roster.

The uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice’s availability played a key role in that opinion.

How much does that change now that Rice’s availability is no longer a looming question for the organization?the NFL declared “there was insufficient evidence” to support any punishable findings.

Rice’s attorney also stated that Rice thanked the league and is looking forward to the start of the 2026 season, according to Schefter.

It is important to make the NFL’s stance clear in its conclusion that Rice will not be disciplined “at this time.” That does leave some wiggle room for the league in the event something new comes to light.

It is still possible that the league could reopen the case in such an event. But, barring something unforeseen, the Chiefs have some sense of clarity surrounding Rice’s availability for the 2026 season.