The Kansas City Chiefs have built a modern dynasty on the back of Patrick Mahomes’ brilliance, Andy Reid’s offensive wizardry, and a defense that’s quietly become one of the league’s most reliable. But if there’s been one consistent gap in their recent run, it’s this: a true, every-down star at running back.
That might finally change this offseason.
Coming off a rough 6-11 season-by far the worst of the Mahomes era-and with their franchise quarterback recovering from a late-season torn ACL, Kansas City is staring down a pivotal offseason. The offense needs a spark, and with Mahomes potentially limited early in 2026, the run game suddenly becomes more than just a complementary piece-it becomes a necessity.
Enter Travis Etienne.
The former Jaguars running back is now a free agent, and according to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, he might just be the perfect fit in Kansas City. It’s not hard to see why. Etienne brings something the Chiefs haven’t consistently had in recent years: a dynamic, dual-threat back who can stay on the field in any situation and make defenses pay both on the ground and through the air.
Last season, the Chiefs’ run game ranked 25th in the NFL, averaging just 106.6 yards per game. That’s not going to cut it-especially if Mahomes isn’t at full strength to start the year.
Etienne would bring immediate juice to the backfield. His 26 runs of 10-plus yards last season tied for 12th most in the league, and his explosiveness is evident every time he touches the ball.
But what really makes Etienne a potential game-changer for Kansas City is his versatility. He’s not just a home-run hitter in the run game-he’s a legitimate threat as a receiver.
In Andy Reid’s system, that opens up a world of possibilities. Screens, swing passes, angle routes out of the backfield-Etienne can do it all.
And with Eric Bieniemy back as offensive coordinator, that kind of flexibility could be a huge asset.
This isn’t just about adding talent. It’s about adding unpredictability.
The Chiefs have rotated through a handful of backs in recent years-each with their own strengths, but few who could truly do everything. That made the offense a bit more readable for defenses.
Etienne changes that. He’s the kind of back who doesn’t tip the play call.
He can stay on the field in any down-and-distance, in any formation, and be a threat to score.
Now, Etienne isn’t the only name floating around. Breece Hall has reportedly been linked to the Chiefs as well, and he brings a similar skill set.
Kenneth Walker’s name has also surfaced. But if Hall stays with the Jets or chooses another destination, Etienne could be the ideal fallback-or maybe even the top option all along.
The Chiefs don’t need to overhaul their offense-they need to fine-tune it. And adding a back like Etienne could be the kind of move that recalibrates the entire unit.
With Mahomes working his way back and Bieniemy returning to the fold, this is a team looking to reassert its identity. A true dual-threat running back could be the missing piece to make it all click again.
Etienne might not be the flashiest name available this offseason, but for Kansas City, he might just be the most important.