February is here, meaning the Kansas City Chiefs only have just over a month to go before free agency begins.
One area that the Chiefs will look to address is the backfield, which was one of the offense's biggest weakpoints. Veteran running back Isiah Pacheco bears responsibility for this, as he was unable to live up to expectations, offering only 462 rushing yards and a lone touchdown on 118 carries while missing time due to injury.
These are tough numbers for a starting running back in today's league, adding to Pacheco's likely offseason exit. The Chiefs shouldn't entertain a re-signing, especially if they want to make quarterback Patrick Mahomes' life easier.
Isiah Pacheco's Time with Chiefs Quickly Nearing the End
It has been two years since Pacheco was able to average four yards per carry or better despite playing with one of the greatest passers in league history, and that's just inexcusable.
Pacheco lacks any compelling case to be brought back for another season. What the Chiefs so badly need is a star in the backfield capable of shouldering the load early in the season. Kansas City needs a playmaker they can rely on to take pressure off Mahomes and help limit the quarterback's rush attempts coming off major surgery.
It was only the 2022 season when it seemed Pacheco was the future of the position for the Chiefs. The back averaged 4.9 yards per carry and totaled 830 rushing yards and five touchdowns. This was followed up by an equally strong 2023 season with 935 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. However, in the last two seasons, he only had a combined 772 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns, making the extreme regression undeniable.
Kareem Hunt looked far more the part of a starting back, offering 611 yards and eight touchdowns. It was telling that Reid and Mahomes often appeared to have more trust in Hunt than Pacheco when the game was on the line.
The Chiefs' attack has grown far too stale, averaging only 21.3 points per game in the 2025 season. This is the fewest they have averaged in the last decade and an eight-point drop from the 2022 season when Eric Bieniemy's unit tallied 29.2 PPG.
Bieniemy's return spikes hopes that this offensive explosiveness and balance will return. It seems that the newly brought back offensive coordinator is likely to look to work with a new face to help rediscover this. Kansas City is a premier destination, and Bieniemy just had great success working with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, with the duo totaling 1,870 rushing yards.
The Chiefs will have no problem landing a top prospect in the draft or attracting a top free agent or trade target at the position. The promise of working with Mahomes and Bieniemy creates a clear and exciting opportunity.
As beloved as Pacheco has been at times during his K.C. stint, the need for a reset and a reliable backfield presence far outweighs this credit, making it clear that it is time for the Chiefs to turn the page once free agency begins next month.