CHIEFS’ RUNNING BACK STRUGGLE IN 2025: Will Kenneth Walker Be the Answer for Kansas City?
The primary issue was clear: neither Pacheco nor Hunt could provide a home-run threat. Both are plodding, bruising backs who are more about grinding out tough yards than making explosive plays. That’s a problem when facing defenses that are able to predict and neutralize such a predictable running game. The Chiefs desperately need someone who can create big plays out of the backfield—someone who can change the game with a single touch.
A Running Back Overhaul: What the Chiefs Need
As the 2026 NFL season draws near, one thing is clear: Kansas City needs a change at running back. The Chiefs need a lightning rod in the backfield, a back capable of taking a handoff and instantly making defenders miss, capable of taking the top off a defense with a burst of speed. Enter Jeremiyah Love, the dynamic Notre Dame running back who has captured the attention of many analysts. Love has the ability to bring that explosive home-run potential to the Chiefs, but the draft isn’t the only avenue the team could explore.
The Chiefs tried to land a top-tier back last season with Breece Hall, the talented running back from the New York Jets. They made an aggressive push to acquire him midseason, but after some back-and-forth over draft compensation—specifically, whether he was worth a third- or fourth-round pick—the deal fell through. While it was a missed opportunity, it also signals the Chiefs’ mentality heading into 2026: they know they need a dynamic back, and they’re willing to spend the resources to get one.
But what if the Chiefs pivot back to the free-agent market for a solution instead of waiting on the draft? Could they go big? Absolutely.
Kenneth Walker: The Chiefs’ Home-Run Threat?
Why not set their sights on Kenneth Walker III, the Seattle Seahawks’ standout running back and PFF’s No. 1 free agent back heading into 2026? Walker, who has shown explosive ability in his career, could be the perfect fit for a Chiefs offense that needs a game-changing back.
Walker is a versatile, do-it-all back who has proven himself both as a rusher and as a pass-catcher. In his time with the Seahawks, he’s shown he can take over a game with his speed and vision, making him a perfect complement to Mahomes’ high-flying offense. The prospect of Walker working alongside Mahomes could be incredibly tantalizing for Chiefs Kingdom. Imagine Walker breaking off long runs to the outside, then turning around and catching passes in the flat—his ability to change directions on a dime would add a completely new dimension to Kansas City’s offense.
The potential for a player like Walker in the Chiefs’ offense is mouthwatering, but there is one problem: Walker’s playoff performances are pushing his price higher. Should the Seahawks make a deep playoff run, especially with Walker’s involvement, his market value will skyrocket. If the Seahawks make it to the Super Bowl, a huge contract is likely in the cards, which could put the Chiefs in a tough spot.
Is Kenneth Walker Worth the Investment?
If Walker’s price tag continues to climb as he performs in the playoffs, the Chiefs may find themselves unwilling to get into a bidding war for his services. The Chiefs have limited cap space heading into 2026, and they may prefer to allocate their funds elsewhere, particularly to bolster the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary. However, if Walker’s price doesn’t get out of hand, Kansas City might just decide to go all-in on the powerful running back.
The Seahawks’ cap situation and Walker’s potential to become the centerpiece of a high-powered offense will factor into whether the Chiefs decide to make a push. A deal for Walker would undoubtedly excite Chiefs fans, who have watched the offense struggle to establish a consistent run game in 2025. With Walker in the backfield, the Chiefs would have a legitimate game-changer capable of making big plays both on the ground and through the air.
What’s Next for the Chiefs’ Running Back Situation?
While Walker may be the most appealing option, the Chiefs must also consider their other potential moves in 2026. If Walker’s price escalates, it may make sense for the Chiefs to explore other alternatives, including Jeremiyah Love or a potential trade. The running back market is crowded, but Kansas City’s needs are urgent.
For a team that’s constantly striving for a Super Bowl, upgrading the running back position is no longer optional—it’s necessary. Whether they choose to make a play for Kenneth Walker in free agency or trade up in the draft for Love, the Chiefs must find a way to address this glaring weakness.
Chiefs Kingdom, get ready—2026 could bring a new, dynamic force to your backfield, and it could make all the difference in the Chiefs’ pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
