In recent weeks, there has been significant speculation regarding the future of Kansas City Chiefs running back Isaiah Pacheco. As the NFL offseason progresses, discussions have arisen suggesting that the Chiefs may not extend Pacheco’s contract beyond the upcoming season. This insight was shared by Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, who indicated that the organization is keen to assess Pacheco's ability to return to his previous form and maintain his health.
Last season proved challenging for Pacheco, as he missed a total of nine games due to a fractured fibula sustained in Week 2 during a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. As a result, the Chiefs are reportedly contemplating their options at the running back position, including the possibility of selecting a new talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. This consideration comes despite the presence of existing running backs such as Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and Carson Steele.
On Thursday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach addressed reporters about the current running back prospects in this year’s draft class. His remarks should serve as a wake-up call for Pacheco, as he described this year's running back group as “probably the deepest” in the 2025 draft. Veach emphasized that there are numerous talented players available between Rounds 1 and 5, and he noted that it’s “a good likelihood” that one or more of these players will join the Chiefs' roster.
The Chiefs currently hold eight picks in the upcoming NFL draft, including four within the top 100 selections. While it seems unlikely that Kansas City will use their first pick at No. 31 overall on a running back, the options remain open for later rounds. Notably, the Chiefs have not conducted extensive visits with running back prospects during the draft cycle, with only two reported visits from Arizona’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Miami’s Damien Martinez.
Despite the limited visits, it is clear that Kansas City has thoroughly analyzed the running back class. On Days 2 and 3 of the draft, the Chiefs could have multiple options available to them, including talented players like Devin Neal from Kansas, Jaydon Blue from Texas, Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State, Kaleb Johnson from Iowa, and LeQuint Allen from Syracuse. These players could provide the Chiefs with valuable depth and versatility at the running back position.
Regardless of who they choose to draft, it is clear that Pacheco will be under significant pressure to improve his performance in the 2025 season. After a lackluster 2024 season, where he managed just 310 yards on 83 carries with a single touchdown, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, the spotlight is firmly on him to step up his game.
As the NFL draft approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs are at a critical juncture regarding their running back situation. The decisions they make could greatly impact the team’s performance moving forward, particularly for Pacheco, who faces a pivotal year ahead.
