The Kansas City Chiefs are clearly already focusing on the offseason ahead after being eliminated from the playoff race and losing quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL. With the playoffs being off the menu, the Chiefs are free to shake things up and experiment for what might work in the 2026 season, which is why they're trying out former Seattle Seahawks running back Damien Martinez, per NFL Trade Rumors' Logan Ulrich.
With Isiah Pacheco, a pending unrestricted free agent, unlikely to return in the offseason, taking a flyer on a guy like Martinez makes sense.
Adding another RB is also logical if the Chiefs choose to shut Kareem Hunt down moving forward. The veteran runner is also slated to be a free agent; however, if Kansas City wants to bring him back, it makes sense to give the aging Hunt a break, leaving him fresher for next season.
The final three games of the season should be used as a tryout for rookie Brashard Smith and perhaps a second addition like Marinez, who simply hasn't been given the opportunity to shine.
Damien Martinez Gives Chiefs an Interesting RB Option
Martinez was drafted 223rd overall by the Seattle Seahawks but was unable to make the team's final roster, just five picks before the Chiefs landed Smith. This led to a practice squad signing that would last only until mid-September, when the Seahawks released Martinez. He's been looking for a job ever since, leading to his Kansas City tryout.
Martinez was a productive runner throughout his collegiate career, recording a 1,000-yard campaign in his last season at Oregon State and in his lone campaign with Miami (FL). Once the three years were up, he finished with 3,169 rushing yards and 26 TDs on 514 carries, making him someone who could have been on the Chiefs' radar had he fallen in the draft and not ended up in Seattle.
Smith has only played 12 snaps over the last three weeks, so it is clear the Chiefs don't trust the rookie. Add in the fact that Martinez was taken five spots ahead of Smith in this past year's draft, and there is every reason to give both players an equal chance. Neither RB is guaranteed to light up the NFL down the stretch; however, either managing to step up would help give Kansas City's 2026 RB plans some form of clarity.
The remaining schedule would offer both rookies a great chance to showcase their future value as well, with the Chiefs scheduled to face the 17th- and 20th-ranked rushing defenses, in the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders, in two of the final three games.
All options are truly on the table for the Chiefs, with Martinez having a chance to come in and put together a resume that could displace Smith in Kansas City's plans. Regardless of how it plays out, there is every reason for the Chiefs to make the move in hopes of finding a surprise future contributor.