As the Kansas City Chiefs complete their final cuts to the 53-man roster before the season kickoff in Brazil, many are speculating about potential roster moves. The running back room, a topic of frequent discussion, has emerged as a prime area for a potential shake-up.
With the team always looking to gain an edge on their “revenge tour,” several of the league’s most dynamic young running backs have been mentioned as potential targets, igniting a debate: could the Chiefs be aiming to acquire a true starting running back, a role the team hasn’t truly filled since the departure of the great Jamaal Charles?
The discussion centers on four high-profile running backs who could represent a significant investment for any team looking to acquire them. Let’s break down the names and the feasibility of each potential trade.
The State of the Chiefs’ Backfield
The Chiefs’ current running back room is a mix of proven talent and unproven potential. Isiah Pacheco is the undisputed lead back, a physical runner whose style fits the Chiefs’ offense perfectly. However, the team’s depth behind him is a concern, with Kareem Hunt on ashort-term deal and rookie Brashard Smith still developing. While the team has several other players competing for a roster spot, none of them has the track record of an elite, top-tier running back.
This perceived lack of a “home-run threat” who can carry the load as a true bell-cow back is what makes the idea of a trade so intriguing. But what would it take to land one of the players being discussed?
Isiah Pacheco: A Potential Trade Option?
While the discussion has centered on acquiring a complementary back, there is another, more drastic possibility: trading Isiah Pacheco himself to land a more established or versatile runner. The argument for such a move is rooted in several factors:
Longevity and Wear: Pacheco’s physical, bruising style is effective, but it also leads to a lot of wear and tear. The Chiefs may see this as an opportunity to trade him while his value is at its peak to acquire a player with a different skill set or a more favorable contract situation.
Contractual Value: With Pacheco approaching the end of his rookie deal, the Chiefs may not want to pay a top-market price for a running back, a position that has seen a depreciation across the league. Trading him now could secure a more affordable or long-term option while netting the team valuable assets.
Upgrading the Skill Set: The Chiefs’ offense thrives on versatility. Trading for a running back who is a more polished pass-catcher or offers a greater receiving threat could add a new dimension to the offense, making it even more difficult for defenses to contain.
The potential targets are four of the NFL’s most talented young running backs, all of whom are in their fourth year or younger. They could be acquired to either complement Pacheco or replace him entirely as a new franchise back.
Breece Hall (New York Jets)
Strengths: Explosive speed, elite receiving ability, and a knack for creating big plays in space. At just 24 years old, Hall is one of the most complete running backs in the league.
Best Fit: Hall would be a perfect all-around fit in the Chiefs’ offense. His explosive playmaking and receiving skills would make the Chiefs’ offense nearly unstoppable, giving them a proper three-down back who could command the offense in a way not seen since Jamaal Charles. Out of all the potential options, Hall is the best-case scenario. He is arguably the most versatile back on the list, and his ability to run, catch, and create his own offense is exactly what the Chiefs have been missing.
Brian Robinson (Washington Commanders)
Strengths: A powerful, downhill runner who excels between the tackles. He’s a rigid, physical back who could complement Pacheco’s style with a different dimension of strength and durability.
Best Fit: Robinson would be an ideal complement to Pacheco’s explosive style. He could be a reliable short-yardage and goal-line back, taking pressure off the offensive line and wearing down defenses with his punishing running style. He brings a gritty, old-school feel to the backfield.
Trade Feasibility: Of the four, Robinson may be the most plausible, though still a long shot. The Commanders’ backfield is crowded, and a new regime may be looking to acquire assets. However, Robinson is a valuable part of their offense, and it would still require at least a second-round pick or a package of picks and players to pry him away.
Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Strengths: A lightning-fast, versatile back with excellent vision and change-of-direction skills. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field, and his pass-catching ability would be a perfect fit for a Patrick Mahomes-led offense.
Best Fit: Etienne is the type of versatile, home-run hitter the Chiefs have been missing in their backfield. He could be used on screen passes and outside zone runs, stretching the field horizontally and creating space for the receivers in a way that would be reminiscent of the explosive Jamaal Charles.
Trade Feasibility: Similar to Hall, Etienne is a key piece of the Jaguars’ offense and a former first-round pick. It would be highly uncharacteristic for Jacksonville to move on from him, and the price tag would be astronomically high. A trade for Etienne would likely cost the Chiefs multiple high draft picks, a price they are unlikely to pay.
Kenneth Walker (Seattle Seahawks)
Strengths: Shifty, elusive, and a master of making defenders miss. Walker’s ability to create on his own makes him one of the league’s most exciting backs. His style is explosive and could add a dynamic new element to the Chiefs’ run game.
Best Fit: Walker’s exceptional vision and tackle-breaking ability would make him a seamless fit in the Chiefs’ zone-blocking scheme. He has the potential to turn a simple handoff into a game-changing play, adding a new layer of explosiveness to the offense. He could be the type of dynamic back who elevates the entire offensive unit.
Trade Feasibility: The Seahawks have another talented young back in Zach Charbonnet, which could make Walker a more “available” option than some of the others. However, the price would still be steep. Seattle would be looking for a significant return to give up a player of Walker’s caliber, and it’s doubtful the Chiefs would meet their demands.
While the idea of the Chiefs acquiring a star running back is an exciting one for fans, the reality is that such a move is highly improbable unless they can find another Jamaal Charles. The cost for any of the players listed would be astronomical, likely costing the Chiefs valuable first or second-round picks that they rely on to build their roster.
The Chiefs’ front office has a history of prioritizing value and building through the draft. A more realistic scenario would see them targeting a veteran running back who is on the roster bubble or a lower-cost option to provide reliable depth behind Isiah Pacheco.
While these names represent the ideal target, the Chiefs will likely be searching for a more affordable and realistic solution to bolster their backfield before the final roster cuts for their season opener in Brazil.
