The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need to revive the running game after getting little production from Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco in 2025.
The Kansas City Chiefs are searching for an explosive running back to revive the team’s running game as well as replace free agent running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco.
Hunt and Pacheco used to be reliable options to receive handoffs but after they combined for 1,073 yards on 281 carries as a tandem in 2025, the Chiefs’ front office and coaching staff identified the lack of explosiveness to be the main issue with those two.
“The running game takes a lot of pressure off everybody,” General Manager Brett Veach said earlier this week at the scouting combine. “If we can be more explosive, and more effective in the running game, it'll take a lot of pressure off of [quarterback Patrick Mahomes], especially coming back early in the season [from] the injury.”
The Chiefs relied on Mahomes’ legs more than ever before last season and it resulted in the star QB significantly injuring his left knee by Week 15. To avoid him having to rush as often, especially after tearing two knee ligaments, bringing in a dynamic dual-threat running back is essential to the team reviving its lackluster rushing attack.
This free agent class of running backs contains several players who fit the explosive label, including former Seattle Seahawk and Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Kenneth Walker III.
Walker ran the ball 27 times for 135 yards in a dominant effort against the New England Patriots to earn the honor and while the Seahawks would love to keep Walker, it’s unlikely that the franchise will tag the 25-year-old.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz named one free agent that would be the perfect fit for all 32 National Football League teams and named Walker as the best fit for the Chiefs.
“The Chiefs need not just a running back but a running back who can also serve as a receiving outlet for Patrick Mahomes,” Schatz wrote Friday. “Walker had more than 1,000 rushing yards last season and added 31 catches for 282 yards -- an impressive 9.1 yards per reception average.
“His ability to generate explosive plays could be a valuable part of lifting the Chiefs' offense back to the top of the league.”
The fit makes a ton of sense for both sides. Walker was incredible despite ceding 184 carries to backup RB Zach Charbonnet, who poached a lot of touchdowns from Walker. Walker ended his regular season with 221 carries for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns while also being a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Walker had 10 carries that went for 20 or more yards; Hunt had one and Pacheco had zero. That’s an absolute upgrade and not only can he break away for big gains, but he also didn’t fumble once last season.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Chiefs do in free agency because they are projected to select standout Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the ninth overall pick in the NFL draft, which takes place over a month after free agency opens. If Kansas City signs Walker or a different RB, it will shake up the draft.