Chiefs Urged to Fix Crucial Roster Hole

NFL analyst says Kansas City must address running back position this offseason

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:23pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs are facing an offseason roster overhaul, with both their offense and defense needing reinforcements. One key area the team must address, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra, is the running back position, where both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are set to hit free agency, leaving Brashard Smith as the lone back on the roster.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' running game was below league average in 2025, and with their top two backs potentially leaving, they need to find a dynamic weapon to complement Patrick Mahomes and the passing attack. Improving the ground game would be a major boost for the Chiefs' offense as Mahomes recovers from a knee injury.

The details

Patra suggests the Chiefs could look to free agency, with players like Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker mentioned as potential fits, or they could target a running back in the draft, with Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love seen as a possibility. Regardless of the avenue, the Chiefs can't simply run it back with Pacheco and Hunt in 2026.

  • Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are slated for free agency in 2026.

The players

Kareem Hunt

A free agent running back who previously played for the Chiefs.

Isiah Pacheco

A free agent running back who previously played for the Chiefs.

Brashard Smith

The lone running back currently on the Chiefs' roster.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback, who is coming off a knee injury.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back prospect from Notre Dame who has been linked to the Chiefs in mock drafts.

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What they’re saying

“Adding a dynamic weapon to the backfield who can generate consistent chunk plays, including in the passing game, would be a boon with Patrick Mahomes coming off a knee injury.”

— Kevin Patra, NFL.com analyst (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to decide whether to re-sign Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco or look to free agency and the draft to address their running back needs this offseason.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' running game was a weakness in 2025, and with their top two backs potentially leaving, the team must prioritize finding a dynamic replacement to complement Patrick Mahomes and the passing attack. Improving the ground game is crucial for the Chiefs' offense as they look to bounce back from Mahomes' injury.