On 3rd-and-9 with 1:35 left in the 2024 AFC Championship, the Kansas City Chiefs needed a conversion to secure a trip to a third straight Super Bowl. Of course, in true Andy Reid fashion, the Chiefs looked to pass the ball, even though a stoppage of the clock could extend the Buffalo Bills' chances.
In this massive moment, surely the Chiefs would try to get the ball to their dynastic tight end Travis Kelce, right? Or maybe the fastest man in the NFL, Xavier Worthy? Nope. The only designed target on this massive down was a player the Chiefs signed in August: running back Samaje Perine.
pic.twitter.com/CMcYTZupCw
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) August 6, 2025
When you examine the play design, it's easy to see the Perine-centric design. The receivers (Hollywood Brown and Justin Watson) motion from the right to the left side of the formation, creating a trips-left alignment (3x1) with Kelce as the iso on the backside. The Bills, like any other smart team, dedicate two defenders to Kelce on this down: Matt Milano and Rasul Douglas.
The Bills' adjustment leaves the trips side in man-to-man with simple clear-out routes, creating a perfect rub to get Perine free in the flat with a step on Terrel Bernard. The Chiefs punched their ticket to the Super Bowl on the back of Perine's pass-catching ability.
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL pic.twitter.com/2gSI8BOscW
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) January 27, 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and the Chiefs are faced with answering a tough question for their offense. Except, it's not the question you might be thinking of. It's not identifying the Chiefs' starting left tackle or left guard. It's not asking who can replace Rashee Rice when he's suspended, nor is it about how they can preserve Travis Kelce for the playoffs.
The tough, overlooked question is: who can be the Chiefs third-down back in 2025?
Among all running backs in 2024 with at least 20 receptions, Samaje Perine led the league in yards per reception. Yep, that's right. On his 28 receptions, Perine had more yards per catch than Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, or De'Von Achane. The Chiefs have a role to fill.
Who can fill the void?
While many Chiefs fans and outsiders might not view the loss of Samaje Perine's 414 scrimmage yards as a major blow to the roster, the question remains as to who will best fill the role going forward.
The Chiefs ideally need a third-down back who is reliable in pass protection and an effective pass catcher. The pass protection element is very important, as oftentimes the running back can be the last line of defense to prevent Patrick Mahomes from getting hit by a rusher. If Mahomes can't trust a back to pick up a rusher, they're going to struggle to stay on the field on passing downs.
#Chiefs RB Jerick McKinnon laid the WOOD in pass protection. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/XpIEHIl5TB
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) January 21, 2023
Do the Chiefs have the third-down back they need already on the roster? Let's look at the candidates.
Isiah Pacheco
Growth as a pass catcher and pass protector has been something Pacheco has needed to work on since his rookie year. While he has improved in this area, there are still issues with pass protection that occasionally surface.
Additionally, you're not going to see much from Pacheco as a route runner beyond screens and quick outs. He has had very few true route-running opportunities and hasn't been able to take full advantage of them.
Combine that with a spotty injury history, and it's hard to argue he is a bell-cow, three-down back. His ideal role remains as an early-down back.
This should've been a TD.. pic.twitter.com/1csxiMag0V
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) August 6, 2025
Elijah Mitchell
Many Chiefs fans have been quick to connect the dots between Elijah Mitchell and Jerick McKinnon because of their previous stops in San Francisco. However, the two players couldn't be more different. McKinnon came to Kansas City with 175 career receptions; Mitchell comes with just 28.
While it's not impossible to see Mitchell become the third-down back, it would be a totally new role for him. Also, factoring in his injury risk, he's more than likely insurance for Pacheco as an early-down back.
Brashard Smith
Obviously, with Smith coming to Kansas City as a converted wide receiver from Miami to running back at SMU, it's easy to see this as his role. Smith has all the talent needed to become a real threat as a third-down back. His ability to run routes and generate explosive plays makes him ideal in those passing situations.
However, with only 77 pass-blocking snaps at SMU, he's a very raw pass blocker. In order to be on the field in those passing situations, he has to be able to pick up rushers. Look for Smith to get designed touches in the passing and running game early before he takes over the passing-down role.
Brashard Smith is COOKING today at camp. Chiefs have never had a back this polished as a route runner. Mismatch nightmare brewing 😈 #ChiefsKingdom #ChiefsCamp2025 pic.twitter.com/8Xsd6BtBIR
— Christian Ainsworth (@Chris_Ains32) August 6, 2025
Kareem Hunt
Oftentimes, the most likely answer is the best answer. Hunt is poised to be the Chiefs' third-down back for several reasons. In short yardage, Kareem Hunt was a revelation for the offense: as a runner, he helped the Chiefs rank 10th in EPA per attempt in third- and fourth-and-short scenarios.
Additionally, Hunt is a very experienced pass protector and receiver, from his years in Kansas City to being the main third-down back behind Nick Chubb in Cleveland. The only downside to Hunt is the lack of burst. Per Next Gen Stats, Hunt only reached 15+ MPH 12 times despite his 200 attempts. For reference, Mahomes did it 29 times on 58 attempts.
Does Hunt have the burst to be able to get the first down in the AFC Championship Game? Maybe. But he does have the ability to protect Mahomes in passing situations, which is the most important part of his role. The need for a third-down back might be a work in progress for 2025. Hunt remains the incumbent, but others have a shot to step into the role.