Patrick Mahomes
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The Kansas City Chiefs have locked in another weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes II.
The Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time making a splash signing as the free agent legal tampering period kicked off Monday.
Super Bowl LX MVP running back Kenneth Walker III has agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Chiefs. Walker had been linked to Kansas City for several weeks now, but it was unknown if the Chiefs, who haven’t traditionally handed out large deals to running backs, would pay up.
However, it appears that Kansas City is turning over a new leaf after struggling to run the ball effectively over the past few seasons. Walker should not only make the Chiefs’ rushing attack better, but open up things for the passing game. The Chiefs finished 20th in total offense in 2025, their lowest ranking in over a decade.
Kansas City Chiefs Players React to Kenneth Walker Signing
Immediately after the signing was announced, Walker posted a graphic of him in a Chiefs uniform with the caption “Chiefs Kingdom” on X.
𝒦ℰ𝒩𝒩ℰ𝒯ℋ 𝒲𝒜ℒ𝒦ℰℛ ℐℐℐ🤍
𝒞𝒽𝒾ℯ𝒻𝓈 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝓰𝒹ℴ𝓂
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who should benefit from Walker’s arrival more than anyone, shared his excitement by reposting Walker’s post with the caption “LET’S GO.”
Offensive guard Kingsley Suamataia, who took a big step forward in his development in 2025, welcome Walker by reposting Walker’s post with the caption “Can’t wait to block for you brotha.”
Former Chiefs Pro Bowl right tackle Mitchell Schwartz had a detailed take on Kansas City signing Walker:
“The Chiefs don’t need to commit to the run! They need a home run hitter who can make defenses pay for staying in 2 high and light boxes. Either the D opens up the run game for explosives, or they get scared and change and open up some pass game. Walker should be a perfect fit!”
Mitchell Schwartz
The Chiefs don’t need to commit to the run! They need a home run hitter who can make defenses pay for staying in 2 high and light boxes. Either the D opens up the run game for explosives, or they get scared and change and open up some pass game. Walker should be a perfect fit! 👍
Kenneth Walker Should Be Workhorse Running Back for Chiefs
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III during an NFL game.
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It was important that the Chiefs acquired a running back who has a credible reputation around the league and provides a big-play threat. Former Chiefs backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt did not provide that, and a committee approach wouldn’t have moved the needle much.
According to ESPN NFL analyst Benjamin Solak, Walker ranked third among all running backs in explosive run rate last season. Meanwhile, Kansas City ranked dead last in that department in 2025.
Coach Andy Reid is always going to favor the pass, especially with Mahomes as his quarterback, but just having the threat of Walker will make a huge difference for the Chiefs’ offense. In 2025 Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, also adding 31 receptions for 282 yards. During the postseason he averaged 104 rushing yards per game and totaled 4 touchdowns.
If Mahomes is forced to miss time early in the 2026 season due to his recovery from the ACL injury he sustained last year, Walker could be the centerpiece of Kansas City’s offense until Mahomes comes back. Together, Mahomes and Walker could create the balance that the Chiefs’ offense has lacked over the past few years. Mahomes has never had the benefit of a 1,000-yard rusher since he became Kansas City’s starter back in 2018.