NFL Analyst With Ties to Chiefs Goes Against the Grain on Kansas City’s Biggest Free-Agency Need

Chiefs Enter the 2026 Offseason with Major Questions to Answer

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The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2026 offseason facing unfamiliar territory. A franchise that once dominated the AFC fell apart late in 2025, beginning with a disastrous Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys and spiraling into a complete collapse down the stretch. While the Chiefs are not officially in rebuilding mode, their roster clearly needs structural reinforcement at several key positions.

Most analysts agree that defensive line and running back are the team’s most glaring needs. Others have added wide receiver to the list, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice.

But one respected NFL voice — someone with deep ties to both Andy Reid and Brett Veach — disagrees entirely.

Louis Riddick Takes a Surprising Stance on Chiefs’ Priorities

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ESPN analyst Louis Riddick — who previously worked alongside Veach and Reid during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles — voiced a strong, unconventional opinion on Wednesday’s edition of Get Up. While many believe Kansas City must aggressively acquire a top running back, Riddick insisted that the Chiefs will not pursue a veteran RB in free agency.

He explained:

“If you’re talking about the free-agent market, you obviously want to see if any premier interior or edge pass rusher becomes available. You want to see what’s happening in the wide receiver market. I don’t think you can count them out of that market.

I don’t think they will play in the veteran running-back market.”

Riddick emphasized that Kansas City’s focus will likely be on wide receiver and pass rush, not the backfield. He even pointed to the organization’s uneven history drafting running backs — most notably Clyde Edwards-Helaire — as a sign they will avoid overpaying or overspending for the position in March.

This take stands in stark contrast to what many believe the Chiefs must prioritize.

Why Riddick Believes RB Will Not Be a Priority

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1. The defensive line must be fixed immediately

Kansas City’s pass rush deteriorated significantly in 2025, leaving opposing quarterbacks far too comfortable. Without consistent pressure, the defense collapsed — especially late in games. In Riddick’s view, adding a veteran edge rusher would provide the most immediate improvement.

2. The WR room is unstable

The uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice puts Kansas City in a precarious spot. Riddick believes the Chiefs could make a “big swing” for a true No. 1 wide receiver, something the franchise hasn’t possessed since trading away Tyreek Hill.

3. Andy Reid’s track record with RBs affects decision-making

Reid prefers running backs who can protect the quarterback and learn his system quickly — something rookies often fail to do early in their careers. Because of this, Kansas City typically avoids overspending at the position and relies on committee approaches.

Riddick’s stance is grounded in history, structure, and philosophy. But does that actually align with the Chiefs’ most urgent needs? Many would say no.

Reality Check: The 2026 Free-Agency Class at RB Is Loaded

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If there were ever a year for the Chiefs to land a star running back, this is it. The 2026 free-agent RB market is unusually stacked, featuring:

• Breece Hall

• Travis Etienne Jr.

• Kenneth Walker III

Each player is capable of being a franchise-level RB — powerful, explosive, and versatile enough to thrive in Kansas City’s high-octane offense.

Many analysts argue this is the perfect opportunity for the Chiefs to upgrade immediately rather than gamble again on the draft.

Drafting RBs Has Burned the Chiefs Before

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Kansas City’s recent history proves one thing: the organization has struggled to evaluate RBs through the draft.

• Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a first-round pick, never developed into the reliable three-down weapon they envisioned.

• Isiah Pacheco has shown toughness and burst but remains inconsistent, especially in pass protection.

• Since parting ways with Kareem Hunt in 2018, the Chiefs have lacked a true, long-term RB1.

Given these facts, free agency is arguably the most efficient and least risky path to fixing the backfield.

Why a Star RB Still Makes Perfect Sense for Kansas City

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Andy Reid’s offense demands more from the running back position than many fans realize. A top-tier RB in Kansas City must:

1. Protect Patrick Mahomes in high-pressure situations.

2. Serve as a reliable checkdown when WRs fail to separate.

3. Provide a consistent run game to open up play-action.

The Chiefs lacked all three elements for most of 2025.

A high-end RB could immediately:

• reduce Mahomes’ pressure rate,

• increase offensive balance,

• extend drives,

• and make defenses respect the run again.

This isn’t luxury — it’s necessity.

Could Riddick Still Be Right?

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Riddick’s argument isn’t baseless. He knows the Chiefs’ organizational philosophy better than most analysts. It’s entirely possible that:

• Kansas City prioritizes pass rusher + WR,

• and waits on RB until later in free agency,

• or even waits for a bargain candidate after the initial signing frenzy.

But it’s also true that if a superstar RB becomes available at a reasonable price, Kansas City would be foolish not to explore the opportunity.

This is especially relevant with Patrick Mahomes in his prime and the AFC becoming increasingly competitive.

When a Mac Jones–Level Trade Could Happen

Any major signing or trade — especially at RB or WR — would almost certainly occur after the new league year begins in March, when compensatory pick rules reset and salary-cap flexibility increases.