The Kansas City Chiefs have a preseason game on the schedule for Aug. 9 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Chiefs have been in training camp for two full weeks, and battles are happening all across the field.
Running back is one of those position groups, as Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and Brashard Smith are all battling in the backfield. This is a big campaign for Pacheco, as he's entering the final year of his deal and has to prove himself to the team to get a second deal in Kansas City.
While that's his focus, another RB got a big-time extension. According to Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Rams and RB Kyren Williams agreed on a three-year, $33 million extension with $23 million guaranteed.
The #Rams and Pro Bowl RB Kyren Williams have agreed to terms on a big-time new extension, as he gets a 3-year deal worth $33M with $23M guaranteed, I’m told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2025
The deal done by agent Drew and Jason Rosenhaus locks up the young rusher who has eclipsed 1,100 yards last 2 seasons. pic.twitter.com/KwZO5kBKPz
Kyren Williams Gets New Deal While Isiah Pacheco Fights for Job in KC
Both players entered the NFL in 2022, and Williams has cashed in after two consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 10-plus rushing scores. The Rams felt like he was a major weapon for them now and in the future, so they decided to extend him.
Pacheco, on the other hand, has shown flashes but needs to prove himself to KC. Last season, he fractured his fibula in Week 2 and didn't have the same burst that fans are used to upon return.
After logging 830-plus rushing yards in 2022 and 2023, he only managed to finish with 310 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground last season. The Chiefs like what he brings, but it didn't stop them from adding Mitchell and Smith to the table.
Mitchell has taken some first-team reps this camp, with Smith showcasing his skillset as a pass catcher, building a rapport with Patrick Mahomes.
That's without mentioning Hunt in the backfield. The Chiefs will likely lean on all four backs at different portions of the season, which means that Pacheco will have fewer touches throughout the game. That isn't the best news for the Rutgers product since he's looking to cash in on his new deal.
Seeing Williams get that extension must motivate Pacheco to put his best foot forward in 2025. Although he had two good seasons in KC, the NFL is what has you done for me lately league. And from what Pacheco put on film last season, he needs to impress the staff to keep his job atop the depth chart. If not, the Chiefs won't hesitate to trot someone else out there.