Kansas City Chiefs expected to continue with trend that has worked for them over the past several years at the RB position
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sign free agent running back Elijah Mitchell, per a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Chiefs have been vocal about wanting to add a veteran running back to their roster, which is a trend that has worked for them over the past several years with guys like […]
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sign free agent running back Elijah Mitchell, per a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
The Chiefs have been vocal about wanting to add a veteran running back to their roster, which is a trend that has worked for them over the past several years with guys like Damien Williams, Jerick McKinnon, Kareem Hunt, and Samaje Perine.
Mitchell was a sixth-round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2021. He began his career with a bang, racking up 963 rushing yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, also adding 19 catches for 137 yards and one receiving TD. Mitchell's second season was derailed by an MCL injury that cost him 12 games, but he recorded a nice 6.2 yards per carry average in the limited action he received.
In 2023 the 49ers signed star RB Christian McCaffrey, delegating Mitchell to a backup role. With McCaffrey dominating the touches en route to being named Offensive Player of the Year, Mitchell didn't contribute much. The injury bug caught Mitchell again in 2024, as a hamstring injury cost him the entire season.
When healthy, Mitchell possesses top end 4.3 40-yard dash speed. He can contribute as a receiver, and is good in pass protection. Those traits make him an ideal third-down back, especially in Chiefs coach Andy Reid's offense. The biggest obstacle for 26-year-old veteran to overcome will be conquering his injury woes.
If he can, Mitchell should be a solid depth signing for Kansas City. He will complement starter Isiah Pacheco, with Keaontay Ingram currently being the only other RB on the roster. Mitchell is the second former 49ers player to agree to a contract with the Chiefs on Monday, as also K.C. signed offensive tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year deal.
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