3 Low-Cost Running Backs the Chiefs Should Sign to Back Up Isiah Pacheco

The Chiefs have been busy this offseason, focusing on retaining veteran contributors to the last two Super Bowl runs while Chris Jones is obviously the crown jewel of free agency thus far.

That being said, the Chiefs still have holes to fill on the roster. There are quality wide receivers available, though my focus here will be on running back. Neither Clyde Edwards-Helaire nor Jerick McKinnon are under contract next season, so Kansas City needs to bolster the position behind Isiah Pacheco to help keep the star back healthy throughout the year.

Pacheco's aggressive running style makes him potentially susceptible to injury, making a dependable backup even more important. The Chiefs are +600 to win a third straight Super Bowl, though locking in solid veterans to round out the roster could make that number a bargain.

With that in mind, let's look at three low-cost running back options the Chiefs should target in free agency.

3 Low-Cost Running Backs the Chiefs Should Sign

1. Cordarrelle Patterson

I fully expect the Chiefs to draft a running back in the later rounds of the NFL Draft, so taking a one-year flier on a proven veteran jack-of-all-trades like Patterson could be a perfect fit.

He's 32 years old. There's tread on his tires, sure, but I've got a massive soft spot for the greatest kick returner in league history. Patterson was used sparingly last year after the Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson in the first round, but he had 817 combined rushing and receiving yards in 2022 (13 games) and 1,166 yards in 2021. He's capable of springing a big play at any moment and would benefit from Andy Reid and Matt Nagy's creative schemes.

The 6'2", 220 LB back would be a menacing combination with Pacheco. Just imagine defenders catching a break from the latter's aggressive style only to have to deal with Patterson.

There's been plenty of chatter about finding the "lightning" to Pacheco's "thunder" and I don't mind that, but perhaps a better strategy is to double down on thunder and let chaos reign.

Don't forget that Patterson played two years under Nagy in Chicago too, so there's already a connection. Given his age, he'd be an inexpensive acquisition and could provide a boost on special teams as well. After all, he averages over 29 yards per kick return with nine TDs for his career, making him the kind of player that could be deployed in a variety of situations.

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