For years, the Kansas City Chiefs built their dynasty on speed, creativity, and controlled chaos.
Now, after a shocking step backward, they face a far more basic question:
Who carries the offense next?
As the 2026 offseason begins, league insiders and analysts are increasingly aligned on one uncomfortable truth — Kansas City’s biggest need is no longer subtle.
It’s urgent.
🚨 Running back: from luxury to necessity
According to Pro Football Focus, the Chiefs’ most pressing hole isn’t at wide receiver or along the line — it’s in the backfield.
Both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are set to hit free agency. And with Patrick Mahomes rehabbing a torn ACL suffered late last season, the margin for error has evaporated.
Kansas City can no longer rely on Mahomes to carry everything.
They need balance.
They need explosiveness.
They need someone defenses actually fear.
👀 The name rising fast: Jeremiyah Love
Enter Jeremiyah Love — and suddenly, the draft conversation shifts.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish standout wasn’t just good in 2025. He was dominant.
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93.7 PFF rushing grade (2nd in all of FBS)
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39 explosive runs of 10+ yards (4th nationally)
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A true three-down back with vision, burst, and receiving ability
In short: the kind of player who changes how defenses line up.
🧠 Why Love fits Kansas City’s crisis moment
The Chiefs were once the league’s most terrifying offense. But as injuries mounted and weapons disappeared, that fear faded.
Love represents something Kansas City hasn’t had in years — a running back who can control tempo, punish light boxes, and take pressure off a quarterback who may not be 100% in September.
For Andy Reid’s system, it’s not about pounding the ball.
It’s about forcing defenders to hesitate.
And Love does exactly that.
💸 The domino effect
There’s more at play here.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor appears increasingly likely to be released, freeing up much-needed cap space but also reinforcing the need for a smarter, more efficient offense.
Kansas City can’t afford luxury picks anymore. Every move must solve multiple problems at once.
A back like Love:
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Protects Mahomes
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Extends drives
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Keeps defenses honest
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Re-centers the offense around balance
That’s not a want.
That’s survival.
⏳ The bigger picture
Just two seasons ago, the Chiefs felt untouchable.
Now, they’re chasing answers — and the 2026 draft may be the last clean chance to reset without tearing everything down.
Whether through the draft or free agency, the message is clear:
Kansas City must find a new engine.
And right now, Jeremiyah Love looks like the name that won’t go away.
The question isn’t whether the Chiefs need him.
It’s whether they’re bold enough to take him. 🏈🔥
