Four years ago, it looked like the Kansas City Chiefs had struck gold with Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs selected the former Rutgers rusher with the 2022 NFL draft's 251st overall pick, and it didn't take long before Pacheco showed why he deserved to be KC's starting running back. Now, just one week into the final year of his rookie contract, his future with the team might not be that clear.
Pacheco split carries with Kareem Hunt in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, which isn't the most encouraging sign, as the RBs finished with five attempts apiece. Pacheco was the more efficient back, averaging five yards per carry to Hunt's 3.2, but the fact that he's no longer the clear-cut bell-cow running back at this point in his career is telling about his future.
Chiefs Could Move on From Isiah Pacheco After September
As things stand now, Pacheco is listed as RB1 on the depth chart, followed by Hunt, seventh-round pick Brashard Smith, and Elijah Mitchell. He's slated to make $1.1 million this season, which would make him an easy trade chip for teams looking to add some punch to their running game.
In other words, Pacheco needs a strong September showing to change the perception surrounding his outlook in Kansas City. If not, the Chiefs must consider other options in the backfield.
Head coach Andy Reid and Chiefs fans have always been big supporters of Hunt. The 67-year-old HC brought him back right after Pacheco sustained an injury last season, and even though he's no longer the tackle-breaking superstar he once was, his goal-line work has earned him plenty of short-yardage carries since he arrived.
Pacheco runs with an edge and with a huge chip on his shoulder; however, he looks way less explosive after that gruesome leg injury that cost him ten games in 2024. He's a fan favorite, but that's not enough to guarantee he'll be with the Chiefs for the long run, and further struggles will make a divorce easier to swallow.
History Isn't on Pacheco's Side
Teams simply don't value running backs the way they used to. Once an RB is about to get expensive or is up in age, a team usually chooses to cut ties with them. That's another reason why the Chiefs may want to take a committee approach at running back instead of putting Pacheco in a position to succeed and earn a lucrative second contract.
That's why he will only have a handful of weeks to change their minds and prove that he's worth keeping around. He needs to channel that anger and physicality he used to earn his spot four years ago and make it impossible for the Chiefs to even consider trading him.
Strong performances against the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens to close out September would have a positive impact on Pacheco's outlook. Otherwise, he might be wearing another team's jersey by the NFL trade deadline, which goes into effect on Nov. 5.