Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after throwing a pass for a touchdown in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Even an elite quarterback like Patrick Mahomes needs a little help.
It’s no secret that the Kansas City Chiefs have become too reliant on him carrying the load over the past few years. It caught up with them in 2025 as they stumbled to a 6-11 record. Mahomes’ pass catchers were inconsistent, and his rushing attack was less than average.
The latter may be putting it mildly. Every Chiefs running back was held under four yards per carry last season. Mahomes had just 40 less rushing yards than starting running back Isiah Pacheco, who has failed to develop after a promising start to his career.
Running back is one of the biggest positions of need for Kansas City this offseason, and arguably the most important. The Chiefs not only need a workhorse, but a competent backup as well. Fortunately, it appears that the team is making that one of their main priorities.
GM Brett Veach Plans to Revitalize the Kansas City Chiefs’ Rushing Attack
While speaking to reporters at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Veach said the best way to take pressure off of Mahomes is to bolster the running game.
“We want to get more explosive in the running game,” Veach said. “And, you know, we’ve invested in that interior, with Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey, I mean, two of the best in the league, and we thought Kingsley (Suamataia) made a big step. I mean, those are three talented interior players. So, I think, and we’ve talked about it, and Coach (Andy Reid) has done an amazing job with his staff cranking on that scheme eval, but I think being more explosive in the running game and really taking advantage of those interior three to kind of impose your will on an opposing team’s defense. But I mean, the running game takes a lot of pressure off everybody. So, I think, if we can be more explosive and more effective in the running game, I think, obviously, we take a lot of pressure off Pat (Mahomes), especially coming back early in the season with the injury.”
As Mahomes reintegrates within the Chiefs’ offense coming off the ACL tear he sustained in December, it will be even more crucial for him to lean on an improved rushing attack.
Will Chiefs Look to Free Agency or the Draft for a Franchise RB?
Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars
GettyRunning back Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It won’t be surprising if Kansas City adds running backs both in free agency and the draft, but which means will it use to find a new starter? Whoever the Chiefs’ new lead back is in 2026 needs to be someone who can carry the load and is their main threat.
If they go the free agent route, guys like Travis Eteinne Jr., Breece Hall, or Kenneth Walker III make a ton of sense. Each would not only fit in Reid’s offensive system well, but would an element of explosiveness the Chief haven’t had in their running game in many years.
The options are more minimal in the draft, and riskier. Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame is by far and away the running back top prospect, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll still be available by the time Kansas City hits the clock with the No. 9 overall pick. Pairing a veteran with a mid-round rookie may be the best way to go.