Isiah Pacheco Lands in Backup Role with Lions

Former Chiefs RB looks to revive career in Detroit's run-heavy offense

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a running back bursting through the line, with sharp planes of bright blue, silver, and white representing the Detroit Lions' uniform colors.Pacheco's bruising running style could find new life in Detroit's touchdown-heavy backfield.Kansas City Today

Isiah Pacheco, the former Kansas City Chiefs running back, has signed a one-year, $1.81 million deal with the Detroit Lions. After two injury-plagued seasons in Kansas City, Pacheco will look to revive his career as the backup to Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's run-heavy offense, which has historically produced fantasy value for the second running back.

Why it matters

The Lions' backfield has been a consistent source of fantasy production for the RB2, with the second running back often scoring touchdowns in bunches. If Pacheco can stay healthy and hold onto the backup role, he could provide low-end RB2 value in dynasty leagues due to the touchdown upside in Detroit's offense.

The details

Pacheco spent four years with the Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls, but his production and efficiency declined over the past two seasons due to injuries. The Lions are hoping Pacheco can recapture his 2022-23 form and provide a reliable scoring option behind lead back Jahmyr Gibbs.

  • Pacheco signed a one-year, $1.81 million deal with the Lions in 2026 free agency.
  • Over the past two seasons, Pacheco missed a combined 14 games with the Chiefs.

The players

Isiah Pacheco

A 27-year-old running back who spent the first four seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls, before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2026 free agency.

Jahmyr Gibbs

The Lions' lead running back, who will handle the volume and big-play role in Detroit's run-heavy offense.

David Montgomery

The former Lions running back who scored 20 touchdowns over his final two seasons in Detroit before being traded to the Houston Texans this offseason.

Dan Campbell

The Lions' head coach, who has maintained a run-heavy culture in Detroit's offense.

Ben Johnson

The former Lions offensive coordinator who left to take the same position with the Chicago Bears this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The Lions' backfield historically produces fantasy value at the RB2 spot in ways most teams simply do not replicate. Montgomery scored in 21 of 28 games during his Detroit tenure. The offense lines up at the goal line and hands it to the second running back. That is not a scheme thing. That is a culture thing under Dan Campbell, and it carried over even after Ben Johnson left for Chicago.”

— William Lafever, Writer

What’s next

If Pacheco can stay healthy and hold onto the backup role in Detroit's offense, he could provide low-end RB2 value in dynasty leagues due to the touchdown upside. However, his injury history and declining production in recent years make him more of a low-cost dart throw than a foundational dynasty piece.

The takeaway

Pacheco's signing with the Lions represents a buy-low opportunity in dynasty leagues, as he has the potential to thrive in Detroit's run-heavy offense if he can recapture his previous form. However, his injury history and recent decline in production mean he should be viewed as a speculative addition rather than a surefire dynasty asset.