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Vineland Today
By the People, for the People
Former Rutgers Star Isiah Pacheco Signs with Detroit Lions
Pacheco joins Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions' backfield after two Super Bowl wins with the Chiefs.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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Isiah Pacheco, a former Rutgers star and Vineland, NJ native, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. Pacheco was a seventh-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and won two Super Bowl titles in his first two seasons, taking over as the primary back and rushing for over 900 yards in each of his first two years. He will now join the Lions' backfield alongside Jahmyr Gibbs.
Why it matters
Pacheco's move to the Lions provides him with a fresh start and the opportunity to be a key rotational piece in the backfield. His previous success with the Chiefs, including two Super Bowl wins, makes him an intriguing addition for the Lions as they look to bolster their running game.
The details
After being traded to the Houston Texans, the Lions moved quickly on the second day of free agency to sign Pacheco to a one-year deal. Pacheco will now join Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions' backfield, providing the team with a potent rushing attack. Pacheco was a seventh-round pick of the Chiefs in 2022 and had a breakout rookie season, rushing for 830 yards and 5 touchdowns. He followed that up with an even stronger sophomore campaign, carrying the ball 205 times for 935 yards and 7 touchdowns.
- Pacheco was a seventh-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
- In his rookie season, Pacheco took over as the primary back and finished with 830 yards and five touchdowns.
- In his sophomore campaign, Pacheco carried the ball 205 times for 935 yards and seven touchdowns.
- Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula in 2024 before serving as a backup to Kareem Hunt last season.
- Pacheco has now agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in 2026.
The players
Isiah Pacheco
A former Rutgers star and Vineland, NJ native who was a seventh-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and won two Super Bowl titles in his first two seasons before signing with the Detroit Lions.
Jahmyr Gibbs
The Detroit Lions' starting running back who will now share the backfield with Isiah Pacheco.
Kyle Monangai
A former Rutgers teammate of Isiah Pacheco who was also a seventh-round pick and now plays for the Chicago Bears, where he will face Pacheco twice a year in the NFC North.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
Pacheco and Monangai, who were teammates at Rutgers, will now face off twice a year in the NFC North as Pacheco joins the Lions and Monangai plays for the Bears.
The takeaway
Pacheco's move to the Lions provides him with a fresh start and the opportunity to be a key part of the team's rushing attack alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. His previous success with the Chiefs, including two Super Bowl wins, makes him an intriguing addition for the Lions as they look to bolster their running game.
