With Mahomes injured and free agency looming, Kansas City’s offseason priorities are coming into sharp focus
Another morning, another hard look in the mirror for the Kansas City Chiefs.
As the dust settles on a deeply frustrating 6–11 campaign, one issue is becoming impossible to ignore: the running back room is empty — and ineffective.
According to league insiders, Kansas City should make restocking the backfield a top offseason priority — and the numbers paint a brutal picture of why.
🏃♂️ A rushing attack that simply disappeared
Both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are set to hit free agency, leaving Brashard Smith as the only running back currently under contract.
Even if the Chiefs manage to re-sign one — or both — the verdict is clear: this unit needs a serious upgrade.
In 2025, Kansas City’s run game became painfully predictable:
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Just 2.7 yards after contact per carry (tied for worst in the NFL)
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Only six runs of 10+ yards over expectation — tied with the Raiders for last
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Far too many “three yards and a cloud of dust” possessions
For a team built around explosive offense, the lack of chunk plays was crippling.
🩺 Why this matters even more now
The urgency is magnified by one name: Patrick Mahomes.
With Mahomes recovering from a serious knee injury, the Chiefs can’t afford to put everything on his arm — especially early next season. A dynamic back who can:
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Create yards on his own
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Contribute in the passing game
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Ease pressure on the quarterback
…is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity.
🧠 Andy Reid’s dilemma
Head coach Andy Reid has long valued versatility and balance, but salary-cap reality complicates the picture.
Kansas City is paying premium money to its stars, limiting flexibility — and former Chiefs great Deron Cherry believes that played a major role in the team’s collapse.
“We managed injuries in the past — this year, we couldn’t,” Cherry admitted.
“The offensive line was in disarray, guys were out on defense, and the cap limits what you can fix quickly.”
The hunger, he insists, must return.
❌ Where the Chiefs shouldn’t spend
Interestingly, linebacker is one area Kansas City is expected to avoid in free agency.
After committing big money to Nick Bolton, the Chiefs are likely to trust internal options — even if familiar faces like Leo Chenal or Drue Tranquill depart.
That only sharpens the focus elsewhere.
🔍 The bigger picture
This offseason won’t be about splashy headlines.
It will be about corrections.
Fixing the run game.
Protecting Mahomes.
Restoring balance to an offense that lost its edge.
Because if 2025 proved anything, it’s this:
Even the Chiefs can’t survive without a ground game.
