The Kansas City Chiefs made a blockbuster move at the start of free agency, signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, solidifying Kansas City's backfield. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared the news of the signing, which has instantly infused excitement into the Chiefs' fan base and life into the young career of backup rusher Brashard Smith. The second-year playmaker is coming off a frustrating 2025 debut season, offering only 151 rushing yards while averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.
Still, Smith is a talented playmaker who was explosive in college and now has a chance to thrive alongside Walker. With a premier back taking all the focus of the starting defense, it is easy to see Smith thriving in a secondary role as the change-of-pace option. The fact that offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is coming off a season in which he was in a very similar situation with the Chicago Bears, and the backfield thrived, should only excite Chiefs Kingdom more.
D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai played under Bieniemy in the 2025 season and combined for over 1,800 rushing yards. It was one of the most lethal backfield duos in the league. Now, there is hope that this can be recreated under Bieniemy in Kansas City. Smith is by far one of the most explosive backs that Bieniemy has had the chance to work with, making it exciting to think about how the Chiefs might utilize him in year two.
Chiefs Hope Brashard Smith Breakout is Upcoming After Walker Signing
It is important to be clear that Walker is the starter here and expected to get the bulk of the carries. However, even in Seattle, ahead of winning Super Bowl MVP, the playmaker shared the load with Zach Charbonnet. The Seahawks leaned on the duo just as Bieniemy leaned on his two playmakers in Chicago, clearly setting the stage for the Chiefs to follow this path and opening the door up for Smith to play a far larger role.
While the Chiefs could still make another impact addition at the position, it appears the more realistic expectation is having Smith compete with cheap additions for the second role. After spending top-dollar on Walker, what cap space is left needs to be spent on other positions of need. All of this makes the Walker signing great news for Smith, giving the young playmaker a clear path to play his way back into Kansas City's plans.
It is fun to consider what the duo might accomplish working with Bieniemy, an OC that actually has a modicum of creativity. Add in the fact that Patrick Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL and will need his load lightened at the start of the year, and this signing sets the stage for Smith to have a great chance at a breakout 2026 season.