The Kansas City Chiefs will be looking for running back upgrades, either in the NFL Draft or free agency, in an attempt to bring a more balanced offense for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes has carried an unusually heavy offensive burden over the past couple of seasons, with limited weapons at running back and receiver.
The Chiefs have not been able to run the ball effectively, with both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco failing to consistently make an impact despite a solid offensive line in front of them.
There will be options in the draft and free agency, but the experienced Travis Ettienne Jr. stands out as a possible immediate upgrade heading into the new season.
After putting together a 1,107 rushing yard season in 2025, his third in four full seasons, the 27-year-old running back could inject some life into the Kansas City run game, according to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report.
“The Chiefs cannot afford to ignore their backfield inadequacies any longer. Kansas City’s ground game completely stalled out in 2025 with both Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt averaging fewer than four yards per carry,” Kay wrote.
“No Chiefs back eclipsed the 200-yard receiving mark, either, a concerning lack of production that contributed to the club’s first missed playoff berth in the Patrick Mahomes era.
With the superstar signal-caller now working his way back from a major knee injury, the Chiefs must bring in an upper-echelon back who can shoulder a large chunk of the offensive load in 2025.
“Etienne fits the bill as a do-it-all playmaker who can give this flailing backfield a much-needed shot in the arm.”
How did the Chiefs’ offense perform in 2025?
The Chiefs ranked 12th in offensive DVOA, an impressive feat considering the injuries that they battled. They passed for 3,639 yards in 2025, ranking 16th in the league.
In terms of rushing yards, the Chiefs were 25th overall with 1812, all on a low volume of carries with 430.
Mahomes was injured toward the end of the season and did not play in the final games, which lowers the overall numbers, but the need for a running back remains.
When he returns from his injury, it will be up to the Chiefs to surround him with quality weapons that can lessen the burden on their franchise QB.
