The Kansas City Chiefs made a notable move with the team's fifth-round selection, bringing in Nebraska rusher Emmett Johnson. It is an exciting addition that clearly serves as a warning and a lack of trust in second-year back Brashard Smith. As harsh as this might seem, only a year into the back's career, it is more than fair based on the extremely limited production that Smith offered over the course of his first season with the Chiefs.
Smith was given 44 carries and managed only 151 rushing yards on 3.4 yards-per-carry despite the expectation being that the rusher's speed would offer a better chance at explosive plays. Instead, Smith was a liability as a rusher and offered little as a receiver, leaving fans wondering what the playmaker's standing might be heading into year two.
It appeared that Smith was set to back up the highly-paid Kenneth Walker, who was brought in to stabilize the rushing attack. This was wiped away the moment that Johnson was selected, with the rookie having a great chance to displace Smith as the team's primary backup. Add in the signing of Emari Demercado this offseason, and it is clear that, despite being on a rookie deal, Smith is on borrowed time if things don't turn around.
Chiefs Draft Decisions Clearly Signal Brashard Smith Remains on the Hot Seat
Smith is a late-round pick that the franchise can easily part ways with when it comes to cap space. The Chiefs aren't locked into the deal and can turn the page if there isn't a major improvement shown in camp and preseason action. Johnson has the advantage of being the unknown and having just had the Chiefs invest a fifth-round pick in the back.
Johnson had 1,451 rushing yards in his final college season while adding 370 receiving yards. The back appears to be a more complete option than Smith and a clear threat to become Kansas City's primary backup option behind Walker beyond just the 2025 season.
There is also the remaining possibility that Kareem Hunt returns at some point, with the veteran remaining a free agent. Kansas City could opt to re-sign Hunt and have Johnson back up Walker, pushing Smith off the roster completely.
No matter what direction the franchise chooses it is clear that Johnson is heading into the summer favored. While it might be easy to feel for Smith, the back's poor 2025 production created the situation and pushed the Chiefs into a position to feel they couldn't trust the second-year rusher.
The Chiefs made the right decision adding to the position, and perhaps this will push Smith and get the best out of the back. Otherwise, it is clear KC is ready to move on and call the draft pick a rare miss after a frustrating rookie season.
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