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New Chiefs Signing Is Most Likely to Be Cut for a Camp Standout

ByJoe Summers|
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Elijah Mitchell (25) and Kareem Hunt (29) walk down the hill to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running backs Elijah Mitchell (25) and Kareem Hunt (29) walk down the hill to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs' first preseason game is just a few days away, and it'll be the first time that fans and coaches alike get a look at the new additions to the roster in live action. Training camp practices are one thing, but actually getting on the field is another.

Running back will be a critical position group to watch. Isiah Pacheco is the presumed starter now that he's fully healthy, but Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith, and Carson Steele are all battling as well.

Smith has been turning heads at camp and showing excellent pass-catching prowess, though there's one of these players that feels the most likely to be cut in Smith's favor should this continue.

Chiefs RB Brashard Smith Making it Easy to Cut Elijah Mitchell

Former San Francisco 49ers halfback Elijah Mitchell signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs and could still make the roster, though his chances feel smaller with each new Smith highlight.

The 27-year-old Mitchell has a significant injury history, having been played on the injured reserve list three different times in his career, not playing in 2024 at all thanks to his ailments. He's been effective when on the field, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt in his career, yet Smith represents higher upside and is a more intriguing option given his age.

A converted wide receiver, Smith ran for 1,332 yards and 15 TDs while adding 39 catches for 327 yards and another eight scores through the air during his only year at SMU. With 4.4 40-yard dash speed and great route-running chops, he's someone that Andy Reid will want to find ways to get out in space.

It's worth noting that Mitchell could make the team over Steele, who fell out of favor down the stretch in his rookie year due to fumbling problems. However, Steele can play fullback and has the trust of special teams coordinator Dave Toub, indicating that his skillset overlaps less with Smith's than Mitchell's does. Steele is a different type of player and it's possible that the coaching staff will prioritize that backfield versatility.

At this point, it'd be a major surprise if Smith didn't make the roster. Between Pacheco, Hunt, and Smith, that may be all the running backs Kansas City keeps provided they slide Steele to fullback.

We'll see what happens in the preseason, but this will be a key position battle to watch as we inch closer to Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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