The Kansas City Chiefs have moved on from their former starter, Isiah Pacheco, signing free agent running back and Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker early in free agency.
Pacheco found his next landing spot relatively quickly, signing with the Detroit Lions. This sets up the back to replace David Montgomery. Previously, the Lions had featured Montgomery behind starter Jahmyr Gibbs and will now put Pacheco into this role. It is fair to wonder if this isn't the last former Chief to sign with Detroit in the days of free agency. Looking at Detroit's roster and considering its familiarity with Robert Tonyan Jr., a signing seems possible, if not probable.
For Kansas City fans who, justifiably, didn't pay close attention to the Lions last year, the franchise lost both Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright during the 2025 season. This left Detroit to sign and start practice-squad players due to a lack of depth at the position. It makes sense for the Lions to work to avoid this situation from repeating itself in the 2026 season. Adding Tonyan gives Detroit an experienced piece it is familiar with, thanks to his time with the Green Bay Packers.
Tonyan had his best season in 2020 with the Packers, recording 586 receiving yards and being a consistent threat in the passing game. During the 2022 season, Tonyan put up 470 yards before struggling to find a new landing spot. His production, with only 12 receptions over the last three seasons, backs this up. This explains why the Chiefs are likely to move on and why following Pacheco to Detroit is a viable option.
Chiefs Tight End Robert Tonyan Could Follow Isiah Pacheco to Detroit
It makes sense for Detroit to attempt to solidify a position that caused a lot of frustration in 2025. For Tonyan, the tight end can return to the division where he enjoyed the best moments of his career. Add in the question marks around LaPorta coming off a serious injury, and there is reason to believe Tonyan can win a contributing role.
For the Chiefs, there shouldn't be any interest in re-signing Tonyan as Travis Kelce's return provides clarity at the position. If Kansas City is going to make a notable addition at TE, it needs to be a younger piece that can develop and learn from the aging star. Tonyan is 31 years old and is coming off an extremely underwhelming debut season with Kansas City. It makes sense to turn the page and for Tonyan to follow Pacheco.
If there is one team that could potentially breathe life back into the career of the aging tight end, it is a Detroit roster that loves to utilize the position. Quarterback Jared Goff tends to target tight ends, evidenced by Anthony Firkser's 10 targets in the 2025 season despite not having a reception since the 2022 season, before joining Detroit.
The more the possibility is examined, the more Tonyan following Pacheco to the Lions makes sense for both sides.