Chiefs Sign Potential Isiah Pacheco Replacement Amid Contract Uncertainty
The Kansas City Chiefs have made a headline-grabbing move by signing not one, but two veteran running backs—Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt—in what appears to be a strategic move to prepare for all scenarios surrounding starting running back Isiah Pacheco. This decision signals that the team is not only focused on strengthening its backfield depth but also hedging its bets as Pacheco enters the final year of his rookie deal while recovering from a physically taxing season.
Pacheco, a dynamic and bruising runner, played a critical role in the Chiefs’ offense over the past two seasons, including their Super Bowl runs. However, his 2024 season was marred by multiple injuries, leading to questions about his long-term durability. Despite returning for the playoffs, the Chiefs’ front office has decided to delay contract extension talks until he proves he can remain healthy throughout the 2025 season.
In response, Kansas City has made decisive moves in free agency. The team signed former San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million. Mitchell, known for his quick cuts and effective zone running, brings experience and versatility to the Chiefs’ offensive arsenal. Though he struggled with injuries himself in San Francisco, Mitchell has shown the ability to produce when healthy, rushing for over 1,100 yards during his rookie season in 2021.
In a more emotionally charged move, the Chiefs also welcomed back Kareem Hunt, who originally entered the league with Kansas City in 2017. Hunt’s first stint with the team ended in controversy after an off-field incident led to his release, but after productive years in Cleveland and showing maturity and consistency, the Chiefs felt confident enough to bring him back. Hunt signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract and is expected to play a rotational role, especially if Pacheco is sidelined again. His strong performances last season when Pacheco was out showcased that he can still be a reliable contributor in both the running and passing game.
Head coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach have reiterated that Pacheco is still the featured back, especially given his production, effort, and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Pacheco has reportedly been training hard in the offseason, bulking up to add “good weight” in preparation for a bigger workload. Still, the Chiefs’ reluctance to start contract talks reflects a “prove it” mindset as they await to see how he handles the upcoming season.
This trio of Pacheco, Mitchell, and Hunt gives the Chiefs one of the more intriguing and versatile running back groups in the NFL. It’s a shrewd mix of youth, explosiveness, and veteran savvy, positioning the team to remain flexible regardless of how the contract situation with Pacheco unfolds. Ultimately, the Chiefs are aiming to compete for a third straight Super Bowl title, and bolstering the backfield ensures they’re not caught unprepared if Pacheco’s health or negotiations take a turn.
