The Kansas City Chiefs made a monumental signing on the first day of the legal tampering period, signing Super Bowl 60 MVP running back Kenneth Walker to a three-year, $43.1 million deal, which includes $28.7 million guaranteed.
This is great news for Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who now has his RB1 that he can lean on and hopefully get this running game back on track, which averaged 106.6 yards per game under Matt Nagy.
The Chiefs handsomely paid Walker to be their feature back, but knowing how KC’s offense has operated, KC needs a solid RB2 to shoulder some of the workload. Brashard Smith seems to be the optimal candidate for that role, but with several veteran RBs still available in free agency, KC could poke around for some more competition.
One option for the Chiefs could be Brian Robinson Jr., whom Bieniemy coached in 2023, when he was the offensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders. Robinson is currently an unrestricted free agent after spending the 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers.
Brian Robinson Jr. Could Be in Chiefs' Sight Next to Back Up Kenneth WalkerÂ
Robinson served as the backup to star running back Christian McCaffrey. The veteran running back played a career-low 17% of offensive snaps, but still turned in a respectable 400 yards and two touchdowns on 92 carries.
According to Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the 49ers are interested in re-signing the veteran running back, which comes as no surprise. However, with Spotrac projecting his market value as a one-year, $3.1 million deal, it won’t be shocking if other teams try to get involved for the 26-year-old.
The Chiefs could theoretically jump into the mix based on Robinson’s familiarity with Bieniemy. The Commanders weren’t great that season, but Robinson had his best year as a running back under Bieniemy’s direction.
The former Alabama running back had 733 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 178 carries, along with 36 receptions (43 targets) for four touchdowns. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 2023, which is coincidentally the average for his career.
After Bieniemy was canned following the 2023 season, Robinson had success on the ground in 2024 with 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 187 carries. But his production went down in the passing game – 20 receptions (25 targets) for 159 yards.
If the Chiefs were to take a chance on Robinson, his numbers wouldn’t be anywhere close to what they were in 2023. However, it would give them a veteran running back who can step in if Walker were to get banged up.
Also, having another running back who can be utilized in the passing game is something that the Chiefs have leaned on over the years. Walker fits the bill, Smith does, and Robinson could do the same.Â
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs make any more additions to the RB room, as Walker was a good start, but picking up a proven vet like Robinson could make this group complete.