The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2026 offseason with more questions than they've faced in years. For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the team missed the playoffs and didn’t win the AFC West-a stunning turn for a franchise that’s been a perennial contender since Mahomes took over under center.
The most jarring moment of the season came late, when Mahomes went down with a significant injury. It was a gut-punch-not just because of the immediate impact, but because it exposed something that’s been quietly simmering beneath the surface for a while now: this roster, especially on offense, needs reinforcements.
Let’s start with the run game. Or more accurately, the lack of one.
Kansas City hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017. That’s not a typo.
It’s been eight seasons since someone in red and gold cracked that milestone. In 2025, Kareem Hunt led the team with just 611 rushing yards.
Isiah Pacheco flashed at times, but overall, the ground game just hasn’t been there-not consistently, and not when it’s mattered most.
And in a season where Mahomes was clearly under more pressure than usual-both figuratively and literally-the absence of a reliable run game loomed large. Without a back who could take the pressure off, defenses were able to key in on Mahomes, and when he went down, the offense had no counterpunch.
That’s where Breece Hall enters the conversation.
Hall is coming off his first 1,000-yard season and is set to hit free agency. He’s not just a between-the-tackles bruiser-he’s a dynamic, modern back who can catch passes out of the backfield and stretch defenses horizontally. He’s the kind of dual-threat weapon that fits perfectly in Andy Reid’s system and could be a major asset for Mahomes as he works his way back from injury.
According to league chatter, Kansas City was seriously considering trading for Hall at the deadline. That didn’t materialize, but the interest was real-and it still is.
The Chiefs know they need more explosiveness in the backfield. Hunt and Pacheco have had their moments, but they’re not the kind of game-changers who can tilt a defense or take over a game.
Hall, on the other hand, might be.
His pass-catching ability alone makes him a matchup nightmare in Reid’s offense. Imagine Mahomes rolling out, scanning the field, and having Hall as a safety valve who can turn a check-down into a chunk play.
That’s the kind of element the Chiefs have been missing. And with Mahomes coming off injury, having that kind of outlet could be crucial-not just for the offense’s efficiency, but for Mahomes’ health and confidence.
This offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one in Kansas City. The dynasty window isn’t closed, but it’s no longer wide open.
If the Chiefs want to get back on top, they’ll need to retool in key areas-starting with the run game. And Breece Hall might just be the spark they’ve been searching for.