The Kansas City Chiefs shockingly missed the playoffs last year after reaching the Super Bowl in each of the three seasons prior. This likely sparked them to make some changes during the 2026 NFL offseason, and they wasted no time in bringing in one of the top overall free agents in Kenneth Walker III. This gives their running backs an upgrade and their offense a new look going forward.
Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Depth Chart After Kenneth Walker III Signing
Walker has spent his entire career so far with the Seattle Seahawks and was a major factor in their Super Bowl win last year, including being named the game’s MVP. This apparently wasn’t enough for them to offer him a contract extension, even with Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL.
This situation worked out for the Chiefs, who were aggressive in improving their backfield in the early stages of the 2026 NFL offseason. They agreed to a deal during the legal tampering period before free agency officially begins.
The Chiefs’ usually high-powered offense struggled last season, recording their worst finish in PFSN’s Impact Rankings in the past decade. Their rushing game was one of the main reasons why, so Walker will theoretically solve one of their biggest problems. Here’s how their depth chart stacks up at the position after landing arguably the best available running back.
Kenneth Walker III
Walker’s new contract in Kansas City places him among the top five highest-paid running backs in the NFL by AAV. The Chiefs wouldn’t have made such a splash signing if they weren’t planning on featuring him in their offense. The defending Super Bowl MVP should be given the opportunity to be a workhorse and is being paid as such, so he will bring high expectations to a respected offensive system.
Isiah Pacheco
Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt essentially split the backfield workload last year, but neither was particularly impressive. Both players are currently pending free agency on expiring contracts. With the addition of Walker, it would be surprising if the Chiefs brought Hunt back. Should Kansas City re-sign Pacheco, he would likely serve as their secondary option behind Walker.
Brashard Smith
The Chiefs selected Brashard Smith in the NFL Draft last year as an intriguing offensive player in a hybrid role. He played both wide receiver and running back in college, so his skill set should be of use in a creative offensive system. He is expected to serve as their third running back and could be utilized mostly in passing situations.
Bring back Hunt. Pacheco is ruined.