Isiah Pacheco is almost certainly about to leave the Kansas City Chiefs. An injury-riddled season and a two-year decline leading into the expiration of his rookie contract can only be ingredients for an imminent departure.
The only question remaining is, will he go?
Interestingly, a new landing spot may have emerged on Monday. The Detroit Lions' recent blockbuster trade sending David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks may have provided plenty of clarity on the Pacheco front.
Detroit had been going back and forth about splitting up Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. It was clear Gibbs wanted Montgomery to stay as his understudy, while Montgomery seemed more open to returning in the weeks leading up to the trade.
Ultimately, Montgomery's salary was a few million too much for the Lions to be okay paying. Plus, the price the Texans paid was too enticing to ignore compared to what Detroit was expecting.
Now, there's a clear need for a backup in the Motor City, and Pacheco shouldn't break the bank much for the Lions to make it happen.
Isiah Pacheco Can Be Lions' Explosive Change of Pace to Jahymyr Gibbs
Spotrac has Pacheco's market value at $4.3 million, with a one-year contract likely his fate. Additionally, OverTheCap values his 2025 performance at just over $1.8 million, further strengthening the idea that he'll be a budget-friendly option.
Pacheco and Montgomery are similar in some ways as grind-it-out, physical downhill runners, though the floor is higher for the latter. You could argue, though, that Pacheco's ceiling is higher. That makes him an intriguing fit as a change-of-pace back from Gibbs.
Gibbs will always hold the most value in space and as a pass-catching back. He needs another back to handle short-yardage situations and take advantage of the gaps created between the tackles in favorable matchups. Pacheco needs an opportunity to do just that.
The Lions are facing somewhat of a make-or-break season in 2026 after a major step back in 2025. Detroit looked like a potential contender after winning the NFC North in 2024, but it crashed hard after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets.
Pacheco is a risk on the surface, given how it's been three years since he looked like a game-changer in the backfield. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is first and foremost a tight end specialist, but veteran RB James Conner thrived under him (4.7 yards per carry, 69.7 rushing yards per game) during Petzing's time as the Arizona Cardinals' OC (2023-25).
Joining the Lions and boosting his YPC would help Pacheco become a surprisingly sought-after free agent in 2027. That means Chiefs fans might want to monitor any potential links to the Motor City as free agency buzz heats up in the coming days.