Latest report on Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 free agency plans requires some reading between the lines to fully understand
VThe Kansas City Chiefs have many needs entering the 2025 NFL offseason, some of which will be addressed during the upcoming free agency period. The priorities remain to be seen, but a new report suggests something a bit surprising. The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently compiled an article with the latest information about what she's hearing at the […]
VThe Kansas City Chiefs have many needs entering the 2025 NFL offseason, some of which will be addressed during the upcoming free agency period. The priorities remain to be seen, but a new report suggests something a bit surprising.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently compiled an article with the latest information about what she's hearing at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Her updates on the Chiefs were mostly inane, but they confirmed Travis Kelce's plans to return for a 13th season and the team's interest in strengthening the offensive line. The final line, however, had an interesting piece of information.
"They could be in the market to add a veteran running back, as well," Russini wrote
You might find yourself asking, "But why?" In a draft class considered historically excellent at the running back position, why invest salary cap and cash in a free agent? The answer can be found in Chiefs GM Brett Veach's 2025 NFL Scouting Combine comments.
Why adding a veteran running back doesn't preclude the Chiefs from taking one in the 2025 NFL draft
Should the Chiefs dip their toes into a free agent market that features the likes of Aaron Jones, Najee Harris, J.K. Dobbins, Nick Chubb, Javonte Williams, and Rico Dowdle, it wouldn't necessarily take the Chiefs out of the running to invest in a running back in the draft. Not only is Isiah Pacheco entering a contract year in 2025, but the K.C. seems poised to catch up to league group-think at the running back position.
"I think that this is a deep running back class," Chiefs GM Brett Veach said during his combine podium session. "I think that that's the one position, offensively. . . I think, you need more than one. I mean, it's a long season, and you have to have a good tandem there. You saw the Niners the last few years when they were operating at their peak. I mean, they had the guys like (Jordan Mason) with (Christian) McCaffrey, McCaffrey with Elijah Mitchell. They've had a ton in there for a while. So I think having multiple running backs is a trend too, that could elevate where guys go."
In the past two Super Bowl-winning seasons for Kansas City, Pacheco emerged as the workhorse back for the Chiefs. That caught up to them in 2024 when Pacheco suffered an injury that landed him on injured reserve, leading to the return of Kareem Hunt. It was a good band-aid solution in the heat of the season.
That situation really seems to have reminded the front office of the trend developing around the league. More and more teams are adopting a backfield-by-committee approach, with multiple backs who can do the job or at least pieces of it. The historic nature of the draft class could lead to some value deals in free agency, which should entice Brett Veach & company.
Admiration for Kansas City Chiefs star players on full display among prospects at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
The Kansas City Chiefs are making a greater impact on the future of football than you realize.
