The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, particularly when it comes to their running back situation. After a disappointing 6-11 finish, largely due to a lackluster ground game, the Chiefs are eyeing some significant changes.
Currently, Brashard Smith, a former seventh-round pick, is the only running back under contract for 2026. With Isiah Pacheco heading to free agency, the Chiefs are expected to seek a fresh face to lead their backfield, though the strategy remains a topic of speculation.
The Chiefs were reportedly close to acquiring Breece Hall from the New York Jets last season, a move that fell through. Despite Hall's impending free agency, the Jets are determined to keep him, possibly using a franchise or transition tag.
So, who else might Kansas City pursue to energize their running game?
Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars has shown interest in joining the Chiefs, according to Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is a popular mock-draft pick for Kansas City. However, securing Love with the ninth-overall selection in April isn't guaranteed.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently suggested that Kenneth Walker III from the Seattle Seahawks could be a target for the Chiefs. Walker, who shined in Seattle’s Super Bowl LX victory and earned MVP honors, is in an intriguing situation. If Seattle decides against tagging Walker, Kansas City could become a key contender for his talents.
Historically, Chiefs coach Andy Reid has been cautious about heavy investments in running backs. However, the team's previous interest in Breece Hall and GM Brett Veach’s comments about boosting the run game hint at a potential shift in strategy.
Drafting Jeremiyah Love might be a cost-effective approach, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be available at their draft position. Interestingly, some smart teams have recently invested heavily in running backs, suggesting a shift in how the position is valued. Just a few years ago, the Eagles, Packers, and Ravens made significant investments in Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Derrick Henry, proving that sometimes big bets pay off.
Walker could be a valuable addition, especially if paired with a high draft pick like Ohio State’s Carnell Tate at wide receiver. Other teams, like the Broncos and Texans, might also see Walker’s potential.
Many expected Walker to receive the franchise tag, but Seattle faces financial constraints with looming extensions for Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With the Seahawks up for sale, a hefty contract or tag for Walker might not fit their budget.
While targeting Walker would be a bold move for the Chiefs, it could be a game-changer, especially with Patrick Mahomes recovering from a major knee injury. Enhancing the run game with Walker could ease Mahomes’ workload and inject new life into an offense that’s felt a bit stagnant recently.