The Kansas City Chiefs backfield remains a fascinating situation, not only with the returns of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, but the additions of Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell. Kansas City is attempting to put together a flexible group that is going to give the roster a myriad of ways to plan the rushing attack. This isn't ideal for Pacheco, who appeared to have established himself as one of the league's better options before dealing with injuries.
This opened the door for Hunt's return and surprise impact down the stretch of the 2024 season. Hunt was often the best option in the KC lineup and established himself as reliable even in the late stages of his career. With this in mind, Pacheco has gone from a featured offensive star to part of a mix-and-match group relying on a number of pieces.
For Pacheco, this is a lost opportunity to cash in on an increasingly impressive running back market. Saquon Barkley started the ball rolling this offseason, and Kansas City rival James Cook has kept that ball rolling, earning a massive extension with the Bills. One that Pacheco can't help but wonder if he could've earned if not for last year's injury.
🚨 🚨 🚨
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2025
The #Bills have agreed to terms on a big new contract for Pro Bowl RB James Cook, agent Zac Hiller of @LAASportsEnt tells me and @TomPelissero.
It’s a 4-year, $48M deal with $30 guaranteed, locking in another young star in Buffalo for years to come. pic.twitter.com/7fNXjkVsLw
Chiefs Running Back Can Only Watch as Rival Is Handed Massive Extension
Cooke was given a 4-year deal work $48-million with $30-million in guarantees. It is a great deal for the star back, and one Pacheco could have easily matched if last season went as expected. However, there is no question about the back's future and how urgently the Chiefs will want to work on a long-term deal with the current list of options.
Unless you have a top-ten back, the position is often easy to restock in the draft and free agency. Paying Pacheco this level of contract was a question mark in the first place. The only argument for it now is that after an injury-shortened season, Kansas City could find a bargain in working an extension now.
This is a bit of a gamble and speaks to the lose-lose situation the Chiefs are in with Pacheco. With the injury concerns, you're either risking paying the back before you have to or sitting back and allowing a healthy offseason to help Pacheco push the price much further than it currently sits. Regardless, it is a noteworthy deal for a rival, and gives the Kansas City back expectations if the 2025 season goes as planned.