Chiefs Violated Big Running Back Rule By Paying Walker

The Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated thanks in large part to the performance of running back Kenneth Walker III, and the Chiefs violated one of the biggest unwritten rules when it comes to free agent signings: Don’t pay the running back. 

Kansas City did just that, however. The Chiefs gave Walker a three year deal for $42 million, with a $13 million signing bonus, and there are those who thought the deal might come back to bite Kansas City, especially since Walker had durability issues early in his career. 

Not so much, as it turns out. Walker has been doing things for the Seattle Seahawks and the Chiefs that he hasn’t done before, showing the speed and cutback agility to bounce runs outside for big plays. 

The Seahawks have to be regretting letting Walker go at least a little at this point, as he’s now outrushed their entire team so far even though Seattle has played five games and the Chiefs just four. 

Moreover, Walker is adding new skills. He was known as a poor receiver in Seattle, but the Chiefs have been using him effectively in the screen game. He’s never going to be mistaken for Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs out of the backfield, but he’s been reliable in the screen game, in part due to the Chiefs’ decision to spoonfeed him easy throws until he gets used to doing this as part of his game. 

The Chiefs history is relevant here. They took the “don’t pay the running back” route for several years, electing to go with undersized backs like Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, which worked well back when quarterback Patrick Mahomes was able to run around and make impossible plays. 

But Mahomes’ football luck ran out on the injury front last year, which is part of why the Chiefs chose to change their winning formula. The quarterback is still surprisingly agile after undergoing knee surgery, but this isn’t a reliable way to win. 

Giving the rock to Walker is. The Chiefs sent a message to the rest of the division and the AFC in general against the Denver Broncos in their home opener, as Walker ran over, around and through the Broncos defense in KC’s 31-10 win. 

None of this will change the perception that you can find the next great running back in the third or fourth round of the draft, but the Chiefs are now 4-0 and they probably don’t care about this a bit.