The Kansas City Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory heading into their Week 18 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. For the first time since 2014, the regular season finale will be more about draft position as opposed to playoff seeding. But there are some things to keep an eye on for a potential rebound in 2026.
This includes the development of running back Brashard Smith. Unable to crack an underwhelming backfield led by Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, it would be hard for many to be bullish on Smith entering his sophomore year. But Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy did his best to pump his tires, citing the growth he’s made during his rookie season.
“I’m impressed with Brashard,” Nagy said via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.”...You see the flashes. …The offseason for Brashard will be critical for him. …He’s a fast player, the next part for him is going to be working through some of the protection side. …I think the ceiling is really high.”
In addition, Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub also praised Smith as a player the Chiefs were keeping an eye on heading into the offseason.
“Kick return for sure. On punt return he’s still developing,” Toub said via Goldman. “We’re always looking for new guys. …He’s a guy that we’re going to have that we’re excited about.”
Brashard Smith’s Offseason Could Be Key to 2026 Breakout
The comments from Nagy and Toub assume two things. The first is that Smith should have a spot on the roster, when seventh-round picks usually have to fight for their job on an annual basis. The other is that Smith could make a big leap during the offseason that could lead to a breakout in 2026.
Looking back, perhaps this should have been the expectation. Smith entered his collegiate career as a wide receiver from Miami, making 69 catches for 770 yards and four touchdowns over three seasons. But after transferring to SMU, he was converted to a running back by head coach Rhett Lashlee, who even went as far as comparing him to Pacheco while scouting him.
The gamble paid off massively as Smith ran for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Mustangs while catching 39 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns. While his multifaceted game helped him get selected in the seventh round, it didn’t translate to playing time in 2025 as he sanded the edges in his game.
If Smith can take Nagy and Toub’s praise to heart, it could also open up a big opportunity in the Chiefs’ backfield. Pacheco and Hunt are both free agents and while the Chiefs signed Dameon Pierce to the practice squad, they’ve shown little interest in getting him the ball.
Even if the Chiefs do make a splash by adding a top back like Breece Hall in free agency or Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the draft, Smith could be a complementary back and contribute on special teams at the very least.