The Kansas City Chiefs will have an interesting decision to make in the offseason involving the running back position. Do they bring back Isiah Pacheco for another season or two, despite his injury history? Or do they go out and sign a veteran running back in free agency like Breece Hall?
Many Chiefs fans wanted general manager Brett Veach to get Hall ahead of the trade deadline, but Kansas City wasn’t reportedly willing to meet the New York Jets’ demands. Now, it appears that the Chiefs might be regretting that decision as rookie running back Brashard Smith hasn’t taken that step forward with Pacheco out.
Needless to say, Hall isn’t the only RB that should be on Kansas City’s radar. Keep an eye out for Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon, as well, which sounds far-fetched right now, but Thursday's news might make that idea closer to a reality than a pipedream.
Joe Mixon Emerges as Potential Isiah Pacheco Replacement This Offseason
Based on the latest news out of Houston, plus the emergence of rookie running back Woody Marks, the Texans could think about moving on from Mixon. On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Mixon "is not expected to play this season as he deals with a foot injury from the offseason."
"Mixon likely remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list through the season. Meanwhile, Houston moves forward with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks," Rapoport concluded.
This likely isn’t what the Texans had in mind after seeing Mixon accumulate 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns last season. However, with Mixon being sidelined for the rest of the year, they might want to consider parting ways, especially if the Nick Chubb/Woody Marks duo holds up.
According to Spotrac, Mixon has a potential out clause in his contract ahead of 2026 which would only result in a $2 million dead cap hit, which could be beneficial for both the Texans and the Chiefs. If the 29-year-old Mixon is healthy and becomes a free agent, Kansas City should be one of the first teams to inquire about him. The veteran running back is versatile (7,428 rushing yards and 2,448 receiving yards in 111 games) and would be an upgrade over Pacheco if the latter can't make positive progress by the end of the season.
Before this season, Mixon had four straight seasons with 1,200-plus total yards. His ability to be an effective runner on the ground, but also another option in the passing game, would make the Chiefs’ offense that much more dynamic. Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are far from the best pass-catchers, while Kansas City still isn't ready to let Smith loose in the passing game yet.
Chiefs fans are not trying to look ahead to the offseason yet, as there’s still more football to be played. However, it’s never too early to consider possible additions, which can only help this team with its long-term goals.
If Mixon becomes available this offseason, the Chiefs can't let another team get at him first — especially if it means providing some much-needed life to the RB room.