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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2. D'Onta Foreman

The former Texas star experienced a career resurgence over the last few years, though the market seems to have cooled on D'Onta Foreman after he was usurped by Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson on the Bears' depth chart last year.

That said, he's just one year removed from rushing for 914 yards and five TDs for a terrible Panthers team. He still had 425 rushing yards and four TDs in 2023 despite playing only nine games. After spending his career playing for non-competitive teams, he could be interested in a deep playoff run even as a backup in Kansas City.

That looks like the kind of pass out of the backfield that I've seen Patrick Mahomes run dozens of times. Foreman has receiving chops, albeit in a limited sample, and he does a great job protecting the football. He's lost only two fumbles in his six-year career, including none over the last two seasons.

The Chiefs need a player they can rely on if disaster strikes and Pacheco misses any extended time. Foreman is more than capable of carrying the load.

In fact, he might be the most proven low-cost running back left on the market if you're looking for a starter in a pinch. However, this final potential free agency signing is proven in Kansas City and would have Chiefs fans thrilled.

3. Kareem Hunt

How about a reunion?

Hunt's exit from the Chiefs was ugly after he reportedly lied to team ownership about his role in a domestic violence incident, though he's spent the last five years in Cleveland rehabilitating his image. If Clark Hunt, Brett Veach and Andy Reid were comfortable with Hunt's personal progress, it's hard to imagine a better fit for this offense.

His rookie season in Kansas City, Hunt rushed for 1,327 yards and added 455 through the air while scoring 11 total TDs. He had 14 TDs in only 11 games his second year before everything fell apart. Now having spent time with the Browns backing up Nick Chubb, Hunt is almost a super-sized Jerick McKinnon that could certainly take the reins from Pacheco if necessary.

I don't know if the organization would feel comfortable bringing Hunt back. If he's remorseful for his actions and grown from the mistakes, it'd be a neat bridge to previous iterations of the Chiefs to have Hunt in the fold for a potential three-peat.

With the dust settling from a wild few days of free agency, I'm certain Veach will be proactive in finding the best fit. Who that player is specifically will soon be determined, though I'm hoping one of these three guys will soon be on the roster.

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