The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to turn the page on the 2025 campaign to flip their focus to the offseason. That'll be all about changing some of this roster and maybe some of the coaching staff as well.
The final three games will likely be about scouting some players on the roster to see if they are worth bringing back for the 2026 season, and running back Dameon Pierce may be in line for an uptick in snaps after the latest move.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported that Kansas City is signing Pierce to the 53-man roster, allowing him the chance to impress the coaching staff down the final stretch.
Dameon Pierce Joins Chiefs' 53-Man Roster
The Chiefs have reportedly made it known they will change things around in the backfield, which includes letting Isiah Pacheco walk in free agency. That leaves Brashard Smith as the only running back signed for the 2026 season, meaning that position group will undergo some changes this offseason.
That's why Pierce getting added to the 53-man roster could be a nice development for him. Assuming that he gets some carries down the stretch, he'll have the chance to impress the coaching staff and front office enough to keep him around for the 2026 campaign.
The Houston Texans waived Pierce in November before the running back joined the Chiefs' practice squad. He's used the past month to get up to speed on the playbook, and his activation shows the staff is ready to see what he can bring to the table.
Although he was let go by Houston, he showed flashes of being a quality running back as a rookie in 2022. During that campaign, he had 939 rushing yards, 165 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns. That was by far his best season as a pro, as he since struggled to find his footing.
Between 2023 and 2025, he's combined for 735 rushing yards and four scores. Despite the shaky past couple of seasons, Pierce is still just 25 years old, so he is far from done as a player. He's at his best when he gains steam and attacks downhill.
Considering that Pacheco isn't in the team's plans and Kareem Hunt is 30 years old while hitting free agency after the season, it's worth seeing what Pierce can bring. If he flashes and plays well over these last few guys, it'll open the door for him to get re-signed for the 2026 season. It wouldn't cost Kansas City much, but Pierce must take advantage of the situation that's in front of him.