If someone had predicted the Kansas City Chiefs would enter Week 15 with a 6-7 record and outside the playoff picture, it would have been difficult to believe. This season has been a disappointing one for the franchise, and its only remaining path is to attempt to secure a spot in the wild-card round.
One of the most underwhelming aspects of the season has been the running game, largely due to a down year from running back Isiah Pacheco. Rumors have begun circulating about Pacheco’s future with the team, and it appears he could be on his way out.
Isiah Pacheco Predicted To Be Replaced This Offseason
Chatter surrounding Isiah Pacheco has intensified. ESPN Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor reported that Pacheco is not part of the organization’s plans for next season.
According to Taylor, the front office acknowledges it is time to invest in the running back position.
#Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is not involved in the organisation’s plan for next season.
The front office know it is finally time to invest in the running back position.
Per, @ByNateTaylor on @TheFan965.
— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) December 13, 2025
In PFSN’s NFL RBi, Pacheco ranked 13th in the league during his rookie season. In 17 games, he rushed 170 times for 830 yards and five touchdowns while also catching 13 passes for 130 yards. He finished with an impact score of 79.1 and a letter grade of C+.
His production remained similar the following year, when he ranked 15th with an impact score of 77.9 and a letter grade of C+. In 14 games, he carried the ball 205 times for 935 yards and seven touchdowns, while hauling in 44 receptions for 244 yards and two scores.
However, in 2024, Pacheco suffered an injury that caused him to miss significant time. Since that setback, he has not come close to matching the production of his first two seasons.
This year, Pacheco ranks 43rd in PFSN’s RBi with an impact score of 70.3 and a letter grade of C-. In 10 games, he has rushed 90 times for 375 yards and one touchdown. He has also caught 13 passes for 60 yards and one touchdown.
The Chiefs’ lack of production could lead the team to consider a replacement in the 2026 NFL Draft, a scenario outlined in one PFSN mock.
Alec Elijah projects the Chiefs will select Jeremiyah Love, a Heisman finalist running back from Notre Dame, with the 14th pick. This season, Love has rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns and has added 27 receptions for 280 yards and three more scores.
READ MORE:Â 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Browns Build Around Shedeur Sanders, While 4 Ohio State Stars Go Early
Given Pacheco’s underwhelming performance and decline from his earlier form, it would not be surprising if Kansas City considers moving on. Love’s ability as both a rusher and receiver could help elevate the offense back to an elite level.
