Chiefs GM Brett Veach linked to running back position in NFL free agency news and rumors
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Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach at the 2026 NFL Combine.
The Kansas City Chiefs will certainly address the running back position in a major way during the offseason, but how they will do so has been up for debate.
Some feel that they should swing big during free agency on a proven veteran such as Kenneth Walker III or Travis Etienne Jr. Others are hoping that top 2026 NFL Draft prospect Jeremiyah Love will fall to them at the No. 9 overall pick. However, we may gained more clarity Wednesday on the Chiefs’ plans for their running back corps.
Kansas City Chiefs Looking for a RB in the $8 Million per Year Range in Free Agency
NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports revealed that the Chiefs are sticking to a specific price range when it comes to the free agent running back market.
“The Chiefs appear ready to strike at the running back position this month. They don’t think Jeremiyah Love will fall to them at No. 9 (a few of our draft analysts have him going one spot earlier, to New Orleans) so Kansas City won’t wait until the draft. The Chiefs may not be in the mix for a top-of-market player like Kenneth Walker III, but a player in that $8 million per year area could be one for them.”
As exciting of a prospect as Love is, they can’t take the risk of their main plan being that he falls to them. It would also cost a pretty penny to trade up and acquire him. If the Chiefs get lucky and Love is available when they hit the clock, they’ll have a difficult decision to make. However, they do have more flexibility now that they have an extra first-round pick after trading cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Examining the Chiefs’ free agent RB options
Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars
GettyRunning back Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Chiefs could always change their mind, but if they stick to the reported $8 million price range, that likely takes them out of the running for Walker, who is widely considered the top RB on the market. Walker has consistently been projected to secure a contract averaging well north of $10 million per year. He will look to capitalize on being named MVP of Super Bowl LX.
The New York Jets placed the franchise tag on Breece Hall Tuesday, which pretty much takes him out of the running. The other big name is Etienne, who has been heavily linked to Kansas City given his skillset and having played for former Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson. Etienne could be available for the Chiefs’ price range, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he commands more.
If Kansas City misses out on Etienne, it’s looking at names such as Tyler Allgeier, Rico Dowdle, Kenneth Gainwell, and Rachaad White. While those guys have had success in the NFL, the Chiefs would need to pair them with a strong counterpart to complete their rushing attack. As of now Kansas City has just two running backs on its roster in second-year players Brashard Smith and ShunDerrick Powell.