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
The Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason looking to improve their running game, and a surprising statistic about Patrick Mahomes highlights why the team prioritized adding a star running back.
Since 2018, Mahomes has been the Chiefs’ leading rusher among the team’s primary offensive contributors, according to a repost on Instagram from The Daily Chief. The quarterback has rushed for 3,721 yards on 608 carries during that span.
By comparison, running back Isiah Pacheco — who joined the team after being drafted in 2022 — has totaled 3,084 rushing yards on 706 carries.
Despite relying heavily on Mahomes’ mobility over the years, Kansas City remained one of the NFL’s most successful teams during that stretch. The Chiefs appeared in five of six Super Bowls and won three championships.
However, the rushing numbers illustrate why the organization pursued running back Kenneth Walker III during the offseason.
Kenneth Walker III Joins Chiefs to Boost Kansas City Running Game
The Chiefs signed Walker III after entering the offseason with a clear need at running back. Kansas City had not produced a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017.
Last season, the team averaged 106.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked 25th in the NFL.
Walker arrives after four productive seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark twice. Known for explosive runs, Walker forced 61 missed tackles and recorded 10 rushes of at least 20 yards last season.
According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, Walker agreed to a three-year contract worth $43.05 million with $28.7 million fully guaranteed.
Walker said joining the Chiefs made him feel valued as he begins a new chapter with the franchise.
“You feel appreciated and wanted. Everybody wants that,” Walker said. “I’m just trying to get another one (Super Bowl ring).”
Walker also spoke about his early interaction with Mahomes after joining the team.
“We talked on the phone. He’s a real genuine person,” Walker said, according to ESPN reporter Nate Taylor.
Patrick Mahomes Responds to Kenneth Walker Signing
Mahomes publicly welcomed Walker shortly after the running back announced the move on social media.
Walker shared the news of his signing on Instagram, and Mahomes reposted the announcement with a short message of support.
“Let’s Go,” Mahomes wrote while sharing Walker’s post.
Mahomes is currently recovering from the first major injury of his career. Even so, the Chiefs have operated throughout the offseason as though their star quarterback will be ready for the start of the season.
The organization has centered its roster moves around supporting Mahomes on offense.
Adding Walker represents one of the most significant changes to the unit as the Chiefs aim to improve their rushing attack.
Kansas City Chiefs Add Key Veterans Across the Roster
Walker was not the only addition as Kansas City worked to reshape its roster during the offseason.
The Chiefs also brought back tight end Travis Kelce on a one-year deal worth $12 million that could reach $15 million. Kelce led the team last season in several receiving categories, including targets with 108, receptions with 76, receiving yards with 851, touchdowns with five, and receiving first downs with 45.
Kelce’s return keeps one of Mahomes’ most trusted targets in the offense.
Kansas City also strengthened its defense by signing safety Alohi Gilman to a three-year contract worth $24.75 million with $15 million guaranteed.
Gilman joins the Chiefs after improving the Baltimore Ravens defense during a midseason trade last year. In nine games with Baltimore, he recorded nine pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, 90 tackles, and a defensive touchdown.
The team also signed defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to a three-year, $21 million deal that includes $14 million guaranteed. Tonga produced 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and two pass deflections last season with the New England Patriots.
Chiefs star Chris Jones reacted to the signing on social media.
“Tonga is a dawg,” Jones wrote.
Kansas City also added cornerback Kader Kohou on a one-year contract. Kohou missed last season due to a knee injury but previously recorded two interceptions, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Tyquan Thornton to a two-year deal worth $11 million that could rise to $14 million.
Thornton spoke about playing with Mahomes during an appearance on the NFL Network.
“He’s the GOAT in my eyes, man,” Thornton said. “He’s a competitor and he makes me so much better. It was an honor to go out there and catch those passes from him.”