The Kansas City Chiefs made major changes to the team's backfield, signaling a clear lack of trust in Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt after a frustrating 2025 season. Kenneth Walker III was the biggest splash in free agency, with rookie Emmett Johnson building high expectations and clearly having the inside track to a backup role. For Brashard Smith, there is now not only an uphill battle to hang onto a contributing role, but a clear risk of falling off the roster completely after an underwhelming rookie debut.
In a season when the Chiefs were desperate to find a capable option in the backfield, Smith only offered 151 rushing yards on 3.4 yards per carry. A playmaker once expected to bring a level of explosive ability and excitement to the KC backfield was instead a source of frustration, unable to live up to the billing in year one.
Now, the Chiefs have remade the position and brought in two pieces expected to step into starring roles. This makes it clear that Smith is viewed as a non-factor and is going to be forced to change this with a strong training camp and preseason performance. Any other result will likely end with Smith as a roster cut, even if it means parting ways with a rookie contract.
Second-year back Brashard Smith may get squeezed by deep RB room
The one hope that Smith and Kansas City fans have when it comes to the back is the obvious ability of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to elevate the position unlike any other. The veteran coach is coming off an incredible season as the Chicago Bears running back coach, where life was breathed back into the career of veteran D'Andre Swift, and overlooked rookie Kyle Monangai became one of the league's more popular playmakers due to his punishing running style.
Bieniemy gives Smith a bit of hope that perhaps the hard coaching and change in perspective will alter the results. If this isn't the case, it is hard to see the Chiefs sticking with the back even if it's only year two of a rookie seventh-round contract.
Winning is everything. It comes above the pride of admitting a bust of a draft pick or continuing to hold onto hope. This is the mentality that has allowed the Chiefs to keep a dynasty alive and is why the franchise is in the position they hold currently. This makes it clear that Smith is in need of a big summer performance or could watch his NFL dream quickly come to a frustrating end.
Add us as a preferred source on Google