The NFL offseason saw another major headline, as former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco was picked up by the Detroit Lions this week. The back saw a successful stint with the dynastic Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls, and now he looks to continue that success in Motown.
What do experts around the league think of the signing?
NFL Experts React to Isiah Pacheco Signing With Detroit Lions
Pacheco established himself as one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL over the last few years. His elite blend of agility, vision, and pass-catching ability makes him a highly sought-after commodity for any team aiming to bolster its backfield.
This offseason, the Lions are fortunate to secure his services, locking him in for 2026, as they look to get back to the postseason.
“Sources: The #Lions are signing former #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported. “A new home after four years and two Super Bowl rings for Pacheco.”
Sources: The #Lions are signing former #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco.
A new home after four years and 2 Super Bowl rings for Pacheco. pic.twitter.com/Qig7UjGHNu — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2026
Respected personalities around the NFL are excited to see Pacheco join another electric offense.
“Can’t think of a runner much better suited for Dan Campbell than Isiah Pacheco, whose rugged style fits nicely with the #Lions,” Schultz added.
“Your David Montgomery replacement has arrived,” Pride of Detroit tweeted.
Running back David Montgomery formed a strong 1-2 punch with lead back Jahmyr Gibbs in 2025. However, the team moved on from Montgomery, leaving touches up for grabs.
Pacheco is used to operating in a committee backfield, having done so next to Kareem Hunt in Kansas City. While some might argue the Lions need more of a true power back, Pacheco’s agility and playmaking ability will pair nicely with Gibbs’s explosiveness.
“That’s a good pickup for them,” Pack-A-Day host Andy Herman posted.
“Lions get their thunder,” Pride of Detroit managing editor Erik Schlitt said.
On the other hand, there were bound to be critics. Despite Pacheco’s exciting play style, he has been prone to injury over the last two years. In 2025, he was out for four weeks due to a knee injury (47.1 PFSN RB Impact).
“Pacheco has been bad and banged up for two years,” The Leap’s Peter Bukowski countered. “This is a pretty big downgrade from Monty.”
“Isiah Pacheco since entering the NFL: 4.4 yards per carry, 2.9 yards after contact per rush, 27.7% elusive rate,” PFSN, nonetheless, noted.
Having played under head coach Andy Reid, the experienced running back proved he can be a tremendous asset if used effectively. Lions head coach Dan Campbell has demonstrated an ability to extract the most out of his offense, so it’ll be fascinating to see how Pacheco’s skill set translates to a new system.
