As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2026 season, one of the biggest questions hanging over the team is whether they can provide Patrick Mahomes with a reliable run game to lean on. The Chiefs’ offense has been driven by Mahomes’ arm for years, but with him coming back from an ACL injury, the need for a strong running back has never been more critical. With Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco expected to hit free agency soon, Kansas City could be facing a major overhaul at the running back position.
The Struggles of the Chiefs’ Running Game in 2025
Throughout the 2025 season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ running game struggled to make an impact. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco didn’t offer much in terms of consistency or big-play ability. While both players had flashes of talent, they were ultimately unable to establish themselves as reliable forces in the backfield. As a result, Mahomes had to carry the offense, and with his recovery from an ACL injury, it’s clear that Kansas City will need to find a solution at running back this offseason.
Free Agency Could Provide a Solution
With Hunt and Pacheco set to become free agents, the Chiefs will likely look to make some significant moves at running back in the coming weeks. Several free agents, including Kenneth Walker and Breece Hall, have already been linked to the Chiefs as potential solutions. These players offer the explosiveness and versatility that Kansas City needs in their backfield. However, the NFL Draft may also present an opportunity for the Chiefs to snag a star running back who can make an immediate impact.
Jeremiyah Love: A Potential Star in Kansas City’s Backfield
One name that has been gaining attention is Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame running back who is expected to be one of the top players available in the 2026 NFL Draft. According to PFF’s Ryan Smith, Love is a perfect fit for Kansas City’s offense. Smith describes Love as “a complete three-down running back and one of the best players in this year’s draft class.” Smith further emphasizes the Chiefs’ need for a running back, especially with Pacheco and Hunt both on the verge of free agency. Adding Love would give Kansas City a versatile playmaker in the backfield, allowing them to take some pressure off Mahomes and provide the balance their offense has been lacking in recent years.
Why Running Back Could Be Kansas City’s Biggest Need
While there is always a focus on the Chiefs’ defense, and a case can certainly be made for upgrading their pass rush, the Chiefs’ lack of a consistent run game in 2025 makes running back arguably their most pressing need. The Chiefs struggled to establish any form of offensive balance last season, with Mahomes often forced to do too much. If Kansas City can land a top-tier running back like Walker, Hall, or Love, it would force defenses to respect the run game. This added element would give Mahomes’ weapons the freedom to roam downfield and make big plays, which is exactly what Andy Reid would want in his offense.
The Impact of a Strong Running Back on the Chiefs’ Offense
Adding a dynamic running back to the Chiefs’ offense would open up numerous possibilities. With a strong run game, defenses would no longer be able to focus solely on Mahomes and his receiving options. A player like Love would force opposing defenses to play the run, or risk getting gashed for big gains. This would create more opportunities for Mahomes to make plays in the passing game, especially with his explosive weapons at receiver.
In addition, a balanced offense would allow the Chiefs to control the clock more effectively and keep opposing offenses off the field. This could prove invaluable as the Chiefs look to maintain their place at the top of the AFC. Whether it’s Love, Walker, or Hall, adding a dynamic backfield weapon could be the missing piece that elevates the Chiefs to the next level.
The Chiefs’ Cap Space and What They Can Afford
As Kansas City looks to improve its offense in 2026, the team will need to be smart with its cap space. They will have to consider how much they can afford to spend on a running back, especially with Mahomes’ massive contract taking up a significant portion of the salary cap. While the Chiefs are expected to have some room to maneuver, they will need to balance their spending across multiple positions.
That said, the Chiefs’ front office, led by Brett Veach, has a history of being able to create cap space through contract restructures and player releases. This gives Kansas City a bit more flexibility as they look to make a move for a running back. If the Chiefs decide that adding Love is the best move for the team, they will likely find a way to make it work financially.
Will Kansas City Add a Running Back in Free Agency or the Draft?
It’s still unclear whether the Chiefs will look to free agency or the draft to solve their running back issue. If they opt for the draft, Jeremiyah Love could be their top target. However, the Chiefs may also explore free-agent options like Kenneth Walker or Breece Hall, depending on what happens with Pacheco and Hunt.
No matter where the Chiefs add a running back, the goal will be the same: provide Patrick Mahomes with a reliable option in the backfield so that he doesn’t have to carry the entire offensive load once again. A strong run game would not only benefit Mahomes but also make the entire Chiefs offense more dangerous and difficult to defend against.
What’s Next for Kansas City?
The offseason will be a big one for Kansas City as they look to address multiple areas of need. Whether they add a running back via free agency or the draft, the Chiefs will need to make the right decision to give Mahomes the support he needs to thrive. With their championship aspirations still intact, adding a dynamic backfield weapon could be the key to their success in 2026.
Stay tuned as we watch how the Chiefs navigate their offseason and whether Jeremiyah Love, Kenneth Walker, or another top running back finds their way to Kansas City to help take their offense to new heights. The 2026 season could be a pivotal one for the Kansas City Chiefs as they look to continue their reign atop the AFC.
