The Kansas City Chiefs have a long list of offseason needs that they must address. Patrick Mahomes has already gone under the knife to repair his ACL and LCL, and he will aim to be ready for the start of the season.
With that in mind, GM Brett Veach will have to leave no stone unturned to fix this roster and give the quarterback the help he needs. And, given that they might have to find a new starting running back. Kenneth Gainwell appears to be a feasible option entering the offseason.
The Chiefs Should Pursue Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell has been one of the biggest bargains in the league this season. The Pittsburgh Steelers got him for one year for $1.8 million, and he should be in for a significant raise in the offseason. However, he's still likely to be cheaper than other options, such as Breece Hall.
Following the Steelers' big win over the Miami Dolphins, Aaron Rodgers tipped his hat to his running back. More than that, he praised his intelligence, and given that Andy Reid doesn't usually trust his running backs right away because of the complicated offense, that should be one of the main traits he could be looking for in a reinforcement:
“I love playing with him. He’s as smart as they come. I still can not believe what we got him for. I told him a long time ago my goal was to get him paid,” Rodgers said, per Jeff Skversky.
Gainwell has turned 93 carries into 451 rushing yards and four scores, averaging 4.8 rushing yards per attempt. He's also solid in pass protection and as a pass catcher, which is another plus for the Chiefs' play-action game.
Isiah Pacheco will become a free agent at the end of the season, and given the way he's struggled with inefficiency and injuries this season, it's hard to believe the Chiefs will be motivated to bring him back.
They could use their first-round selection to land Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love, and even if that's the case, Gainwell has always been used to having a secondary role as a backup, change-of-pace back.
His skill set and potentially reasonable asking price should be more than enough for the Chiefs. Money will be scarce, and they will need to find players who fit their system while also keeping an eye on the books and the salary cap.