The post-draft era has begun, and the Kansas City Chiefs signed Texas A&M Aggies running back E.J. Smith. It's indeed a big signing as the AP Most Valuable Player of 1993, Emmitt Smith’s son, is ready to bring his impact to Kansas City.

Emmitt Smith played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002, and from 2003 to 2004 with the Arizona Cardinals. With the NFL giants now signing undrafted free agents, Kansas signed E.J. Smith on April 25.

“Excited to officially sign with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent," E.J. Smith posted on Instagram. "Nothing is given. Everything is earned. I'm ready to work, learn, and prove myself every single day."

Emmitt Smith built a legendary career with over 18,000 rushing yards, 164 touchdowns, and three Super Bowl titles, and now his son’s arrival raises hopes of bringing a similar spark to the Chiefs.

E.J. Smith went undrafted in all seven rounds, which made him a free agent and allowed him to choose his next team. He worked out with his father's former team, the Cowboys. But when Dallas fumbled, he chose to join the Kansas City Chiefs.

He expects to sign a standard three-year rookie deal worth about $3.1 million, as per the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NFL and the players’ association

E.J. Smith ended his college career with 969 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and 470 receiving yards. In Kansas City, he will be coached by another Cowboys legend, new running backs coach DeMarco Murray.

With few spots open, his ability to catch passes could be what keeps his chances alive in a very tight battle on the field. 

How E.J. Smith Will Fit Into the Kansas City Chiefs

E.J. Smith competes in a crowded group. The Chiefs addressed their backfield this offseason by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to a multiyear deal.

They also drafted Emmett Johnson and will feature Emari Demercado and ShunDerrick Powell on the depth chart.

With Walker III leading the unit, the team still needs depth, especially because of his past injury concerns. So, E.J. Smith is not coming in as a main runner but as someone who can support the system in different ways.

“Buffalo RB Al-Jay Henderson has accepted a rookie camp invite from the #Chiefs. Henderson rushed for 1833 yards and 15 TDs over his last two seasons with the Bulls,” reported NFL.com's Mike Garofolo about the competition increasing for E.J. Smith.

He recorded 207 yards on the ground in 2024 and 205 in 2025, even with fewer touches the following year. E.J. Smith’s 4.7 yards-per-carry average and four touchdowns at Texas A&M point to a low-risk addition with potential upside for Kansas City.

The next step is proving that versatility is enough to earn a roster spot in the NFL.

What are your thoughts on E.J. Smith's addition to the Chiefs? Drop in your comments.

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar