Fixing the running game should be the first order of business for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Kansas City Chiefs averaged 106.6 rushing yards per game last season, which was "good" for 25th in the league, highlighting the need for some major running back-related improvements.
Veteran RBs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are both going to be free agents, and, given the way they performed and the Chiefs' financial situation, they should both find a realtor. The Chiefs can do much better in free agency, and a new option just became available.
"The Broncos are not tendering running back Jaleel McLaughlin, per source. He will be a free agent," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Friday. As such, Chiefs GM Brett Veach should start binge-watching tape and getting his agent on the line.
Chiefs Could Make a Run At Former Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin
While not a superstar by any means, McLaughlin is a productive player who may thrive in the right system. He averages 4.8 yards per carry, which is significantly better than both Hunt (3.8) and Pacheco (3.9).
McLaughlin only made eight appearances and started one game in the Broncos' stacked backfield last season. Even so, he turned 37 carries into 187 rushing yards and one score. He's also a factor in the passing game, hauling in four receptions on six targets for 27 yards.
He could provide some much-needed competition for Brashard Smith, who dealt with a smaller-than-expected backfield role as a rookie. McLaughlin also has two 400-yard campaigns under his belt, so it's possible that Kansas City could view him as a more trustworthy RB2 candidate compared to Smith.
Per Spotrac, McLaughlin has made a total of $2.7 million in his three years in the league. He's going to be available at a major discount, and that's right down the Chiefs' alley. According to OverTheCap, the Chiefs are $5.4 million over the salary cap, and even though they will free $20 million by releasing veteran RT Jawaan Taylor, money will still be scarce in Missouri.
Of course, this is not to say that the Chiefs should go after McLaughlin in free agency and call it a day. By all means, they still need to bring in a starting-caliber, three-down workhorse running back. They might even do so with the No. 9 pick by getting Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.
Even if that's the case, this team is in desperate need of help in the backfield. The Chiefs should overhaul that unit completely, with Pacheco and Hunt signing elsewhere, before giving Bieniemy and head coach Andy Reid the tools — like a potential McLaughlin signing — they need to get this team back to where it belongs.