The Kansas City Chiefs failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the last 10 years.

Sitting 3rd in the AFC West, the Chiefs finished with a poor 6-11 record in the 2025 season. It's safe to say that their running game was one of the prominent reasons for their failure.

The Chiefs need to cut underperforming players, including $3M star Isiah Pacheco.

The beat writer of the Chiefs, Jesse Newell, said, “Pacheco is an energy-giver as a teammate and has never been afraid to take on contact with a physical running style.”

Pacheco was drafted in the seventh round by the Chiefs and played for four seasons. He also showed some sparks in the first two seasons, scoring 12 touchdowns for 1765 rushing yards.

Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent performances made him a less reliable player in the Chiefs' eyes.

Newell elaborated, “But he also doesn’t elude tackles well and hasn’t established himself yet as a reliable receiver. He seems likely to sign elsewhere, with that team hoping the 26-year-old can see a career resurgence with better health luck.”

Pacheco's running style was once the definition of the backfield. However, his production in the 2025 season dropped to a low average of 3.9 yards per carry. Not only that, but he only had 118 rushing attempts for 462 yards and one touchdown in 13 games.

If Kansas City decides to let him go, they must find his replacement as soon as possible.

Who Could Replace Isiah Pacheco for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2026?

Isiah Pacheco moves into free agency and pushes the Chiefs to target a new running back.

Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III could step in to improve the Kansas City Chiefs' game.

Hall, a top playmaker who can fix the Chiefs' struggle in the running game. He certainly proved it with his performance last year, gaining nearly 1,065 rushing yards and with an average of 4.4 per carry.

Hall's biggest strength is his versatility, especially his ability as a receiver out of the backfield.

Alternatively, Kenneth Walker III is a top-tier running back with 1,027 rushing yards and an average of 4.6 per carry last season. He recently became the Super Bowl MVP in a 29-13 win against the Patriots.

He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. What do the Chiefs fans think? Should they grab the opportunity of including a Super Bowl MVP on their team? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Kalp Thaker