After years of mutual struggles, the Kansas City Chiefs and Eric Bieniemy are back together. The Chiefs' offense regressed without the former offensive coordinator, and he looks like the perfect guy to bring them back to life after hitting rock bottom in 2025.
That's obviously great news for the team, but not so much for some of the players. That may include Isiah Pacheco, who left plenty to be desired last season and is going to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
The Chiefs Might Let Isiah Pacheco go With Eric Bieniemy Back in Town
While Pacheco was at his best in his lone season with Eric Bieniemy at the helm, he's no longer the same hard-hitting and physical running back he was then. He took the league by storm as a rookie, rushing for 830 yards and five touchdowns, but he hasn't been as efficient since.
More than that, Bieniemy has even stronger ties to Kareem Hunt, whom he also coached since he made it to the league. Spotrac projects Hunt's free-agency value at $1.9 million, while Pacheco might command $4.3 million.
The Chiefs are $54 million over the salary cap, the highest mark in the league, according to Over The Cap. So, with not many options to pursue in free agency and money being scarce, GM Brett Veach and Bieniemy might choose to bring back the cheaper option.
Pacheco averaged just 3.9 yards per rush last season. He turned 118 attempts into 426 yards and one touchdown, averaging a pedestrian 35.5 rushing yards per game. Once an explosive tackle-breaker, his longest carry of the season went for 16 yards. He's not much of a factor as a pass catcher either, hauling in just 19 receptions on 26 targets for 101 yards, one touchdown, and one drop in 2025.
Coach Bieniemy is all about accountability and effort, and while Pacheco used to be one of the most determined guys on the field, he hasn't shown that hunger anymore. Hunt is more efficient in goal-line situations, and while not a workhorse, his physicality and effort bode better with what Bienemy wants to instill on the team. The NFL draft will also be an outlet to make an addition to this room.
Also, with his ties to D'Andre Swift and the Chicago Bears potentially looking to offload his contract, it wouldn't be far-fetched to think the Chiefs could go for him in a trade. Whatever the case, Pacheco's chances of returning to Kansas City look slim now that Bieniemy is finally back in town.