The Kansas City Chiefs had a solid 2025 offseason, rebuilding the offensive line and bringing in what appears to be a very strong draft class. However, this doesn't mean the offseason is free of mistakes, with one glaring issue quickly approaching as final roster cuts are made next week. Kansas City has far too many options at the running back position. With Isiah Pacheco returning to full health and Kareem Hunt looking great, there is going to be a difficult decision made over the next week.
Leading to veteran back Elijah Mitchell becoming a likely roster cut. While there is an outside shot of finding a trade partner for the veteran, the most likely way this ends is in a surprise roster cut. Mitchell was signed ahead of the team being reassured that Hunt still has something left in the tank, and the surprise emergence of Brashard Smith.
Mitchell simply lacks any clear path to sticking on the Chiefs roster after missing the entire 2024 season. To take this a step further, Mitchell hasn't been consistently productive since the 2021 season in his rookie year with the San Francisco 49ers. It isn't as if the Chiefs are parting ways with a proven producer.
Chiefs Will Be Forced to Make a Surprise Cut with Elijah Mitchell
When the Chiefs first signed the veteran back, it seemed a savvy decision with Pacheco struggling at the end of the year and Hunt obviously aging. The back still brings incredible value, but it isn't the Kareem Hunt he was the first time around in Kansas City. You're going to get production, but the explosive plays are going to be a rarity.
With this in mind, signing Mitchell made sense, preparing for a scenario where Pacheco or Hunt weren't able to live up to expectations. However, not only has that not been the case, but a surprise rookie has emerged as well in Smith. There simply isn't a spot left for Mitchell unless the Chiefs make a truly shocking move.
For Mitchell, it seems unlikely the veteran is going to have a hard time finding a new landing spot based on his experience. Even as a change of pace back, there is value in having Mitchell as your second or third option. Things not working out with the Chiefs is unfortunate, but a byproduct of the franchise putting together the best possible backfield.