Quietly, the Kansas City Chiefs have loaded up at the running back position. They drafting an option by taking Brashard Smith in the NFL Draft while re-signing Kareem Hunt and landing free agent Elijah Mitchell. All of this was done with the expectation that Isiah Pacheco will still be the primary option and far better than he was returning from an injury at the end of last season.
Pacheco is the engine that gives the Chiefs balance with the remaining options competing for secondary carries. Despite being paid less, it seems Hunt would have the inside track on winning this role.
Without Hunt, the Chiefs would have struggle to make the Super Bowl last season and continue an impressive streak. So much of what the veteran back provided helped offset the burden on Patrick Mahomes and give the team a hint of balance. This won’t be overlooked for a veteran who has an impressive history with the franchise and is an established producer within Andy Reid’s offense while Mitchell, who signed a deal suggesting he would be in consideration for the role as well.
The depth is impressive and each player offers very different styles and skill sets that the Chiefs can utilize. But it also leaves one new option on the chopping block as Kansas City arrives for camp.
The Chiefs May Cut Impressive Rookie Brashard Smith
The Chiefs are going to face a tough decision with the rookie running back, Smith. The SMU product was a dynamic playmaker with 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns after converting from wide receiver last season. ButIt is impossible to argue for Smith in favor of far more proven options.
It isn’t as if the Chiefs are sitting back waiting for players to develop and can afford to be patient. Every passing season, questions are raised about the future of Travis Kelce and Andy Reid. Keeping their foot on the gas is the only outlook and requires going with the more proven veteran options.
This sets up Smith as a likely cut despite a solid camp. Adding the back to the practice squad and retaining all of the current veteran rushers seems the best decision for the current roster.
The trio of Pacheco, Hunt, and Mitchell gives a flashback to the New England Patriots dynasty, where a running back room by committee was a staple of the end of the dynasty. This is the path the Chiefs should choose, and unfortunately it doesn’t include keeping Smith.
