Kansas City Chiefs free agent positional preview: Examining potential options to complement Isiah Pacheco at RB
Running back may not be at the top of the needs list for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2025 offseason, but they definitely need some quality depth at the position. Isiah Pacheco and Keaontay Ingram are currently the only two running backs on the Chiefs' roster. They also have Carson Steele, who's technically a fullback […]
Running back may not be at the top of the needs list for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2025 offseason, but they definitely need some quality depth at the position.
Isiah Pacheco and Keaontay Ingram are currently the only two running backs on the Chiefs' roster. They also have Carson Steele, who's technically a fullback but can play halfback if needed.
The NFL's free agent legal tampering period begins on March 10, with signings able to become official on March 12 – which marks the start of the new league year. Let's take a look at some potential RB options for the Chiefs in 2025.
Raheem Mostert
Mostert is just one year removed from a career best 1,012 yards on 209 carries and a league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns. He also added 25 catches for 175 yards and three more scores. However, his usage declined significantly in 2024, mostly due to the emergence of second year RB De'Von Achane.
With Achane as perhaps the most explosive player in the NFL and having invested a 2024 fourth-round pick in Jaylen Wright, the Miami Dolphins recently released Mostert. That doesn't mean that the 10-year veteran doesn't have anything left in the tank. Bringing in Mostert as the third-down back could be reminiscent of when K.C. acquired Jerick McKinnon, who had a nice two-year run with the team from 2022-2023.
Ty Johnson
Still just 27-years-old, the six-year veteran Johnson has a good blend of youth and experience. He possesses top end speed, receiving skills, and pass blocking ability. Johnson's versatility also extends to special teams as a kick returner, recording 27 kickoff returns for 539 yards throughout his career.
Johnson has averaged over five yards per carry in two of his last three seasons. He has also caught 37 passes for 424 yards and four touchdowns during that span. Johnson would add some much-needed speed and receiving ability to the Chiefs' offense, as well as pass protection skills – which is crucial in coach Andy Reid's system.
Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell is another third-down specialist option for K.C. Much like Johnson, Gainwell has good speed, as well as pass catching and pass blocking abilities. He's also an option as a return man, taking 27 career kickoff returns for 612 yards throughout his four-year career.
Gainwell has a solid career yards per carry average of 4.2. His numbers took an understandable dip in 2024 due to the historic season of Philadelphia Eagles starting RB Saquon Barkley. Gainwell has caught 102 career passes for 721 yards, also adding 1,185 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns.
Javonte Williams
After a fantastic rookie season in 2021 which he racked up over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns, Williams suffered a devasting knee injury in 2022. He bounced back in 2023 with another 1,000 total yards season, but mysteriously fell out of favor with the Denver Broncos in 2024.
Williams saw a decrease in carries and was relegated to the Broncos' third down back. He still ran the ball pretty well, recording 513 yards and four touchdowns, and he set a career-high in receptions with 52. A player like Williams who can specialize as a receiving back and pass blocker would be a great complement to Pacheco.
