After finishing the season ranking 25th in rushing yards per game (106.6), it’s evident that the Kansas City Chiefs must upgrade their running back room. With both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt hitting free agency next week, the Chiefs will likely move on from the duo and have a whole new backfield this upcoming season.Â
Although there were several premier RBs expected to hit the open market or be traded, the majority of top names have already come off the board – either signing extensions with their current teams or landing elsewhere. These early moves have left the Chiefs with few quality options remaining.
One under-the-radar candidate that would’ve been a fine addition to head coach Andy Reid’s offense is Chris Brooks, who re-signed with the Green Bay Packers on a two-year, $4.85 million contract, according to One West Sports Group on Wednesday.
With Brooks out of the fold, the Chiefs must pivot to the remaining free agent options to bolster their ground game.Â
Chris Brooks Won't Be on Chiefs' Offseason Radar
Despite not being the Packers' primary ball-carrier, Brooks proved to be a serviceable backup. The three-year veteran flashed potential towards becoming a quality third-down back last season, logging 106 rushing yards on 27 attempts and 13 receptions for 91 receiving yards.
Not only that, but Brooks also became a critical member of the Packers’ special teams. He finished fourth on the Packers for most special team tackles (nine), earning him a 79.9 special teams grade per Pro Football Focus.Â
Brooks could’ve entered the mix for starting reps alongside any running back the Chiefs added in the offseason. Instead, he decided to return to Green Bay, as he’ll have an opportunity to earn a larger role as backup to Josh Jacobs since Emanuel Wilson will hit the open market, as well as the fact that MarShawn Lloyd is seemingly always injured.
While he’s shown willingness as a pass catcher, Brooks is arguably better as a pass-blocker, earning a 70.8 pass block grade per PFF across 35 pass-blocking snaps.Â
It’s a shame that the Chiefs weren’t able to get their hands on Brooks. Considering his cheap price tag and versatility, he would’ve been a great addition to Kansas City. Reid tends to prefer running backs that can contribute to the pass game, and Brooks has proven to be more than capable.Â
Chiefs Will Still Have RB Options in Free Agency
Even though it’s unfortunate that the Chiefs weren’t able to land Brooks, there are still some free-agent options they can sign with a similar price tag and skill set. Two names they should consider are Kenneth Gainwell and Rachaad White.Â
Throughout his career, Gainwell has served as a dependable backup, specializing as a third-down back. He’s coming off his best season yet, posting a career-high in receptions (73) and receiving yards (486) with the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Spotrac projecting him to land a two-year, $5.92 million contract, Gainwell fits the Chiefs’ budget.Â
Like Gainwell, White has been a superb backup, logging 572 rushing yards across 132 carries, and 40 receptions for 218 receiving yards. Although he may not be as effective as White, he’s still a reliable backup and a cheap option, with Spotrac estimating his average annual salary to be $3 million.
While it may be disappointing to some that they couldn’t land Brooks, the Chiefs have several formidable candidates that can be just as effective, leaving time to tell if they can nab any of them before another team beats them to the punch.