5 free agent running backs who could rescue the Chiefs run game

Last season, the Chiefs' running back room was a major disappointment. In fact, Kansas City has not had a 1,000-yard rusher since before drafting Patrick Mahomes in 2017, and now they are once again attempting to rebuild their rushing attack. Last season, the Chiefs finished 25th in the NFL in total rushing yards with 1,812, and Kansas City has not broken the 2,000-yard mark in over a decade. Now the Chiefs head into the offseason with just one running back, Brashard Smith, on the roster, and the whole world knows something has to change.

This offseason, Kansas City brought Eric Bieniemy back into the fold after three years away from the team. Bieniemy made stops with the Commanders, then UCLA, and last year was the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears. Last year, the Bears finished third in the NFL in rushing yards with 2,456, and the Chiefs hope he can bring some of those results with him.

Kansas City made the playoffs for 10 consecutive years prior to 2025, and if they hope to get back on the wagon, rebuilding the rushing attack feels key. Andy Reid's offenses have never been known for their rushing volume; rather, they've been known for efficiency in the run game and translating that into the pass game. The Chiefs know they have an incredibly strong offensive line; it now just becomes a matter of finding a running back who can find the needed production.

The Elite Investment: Kenneth Walker III ($10M+)

Walker just won a Super Bowl ring with the Seattle Seahawks, and he also took home the Super Bowl MVP award after his incredible performance against the Patriots. It feels like it would be a good idea for Seattle to retain Walker after his incredible playoff performances, but many in the media feel there is some tension between Walker and management and that he will be looking for a new home this offseason. If the Chiefs are serious about rebuilding their RB room this offseason, Walker is the best player on the market.

The Next Best Thing: Travis Etienne Jr. ($7M)

A three-time 1,000-yard rusher and former first-round pick, Etienne is maybe the most undervalued player on the market this offseason. Etienne has a reputation for being thin and injury-prone, despite playing in all 17 games in three of his five years in the NFL. As a rookie, Etienne suffered a Lisfranc injury and missed the whole year, and he again struggled to stay healthy in 2024. But he returned to form this season and clearly is a great fit in the Chiefs' offense. Most projections have Etienne getting ~$7 million a year, but even at (up to) $10 million, Etienne is likely the Chiefs' best bet this offseason.

The Hometown Connection: Rachaad White ($5M)

Once a "my guy" in the 2022 NFL Draft, White was taken in the third round by the Buccaneers and immediately stepped into a major role. He went for over 1,500 yards from scrimmage in his second NFL season and has proven himself to be one of the best passing-down backs in the NFL. White is a Kansas City kid, attending Central High School before committing to Arizona State. White's role has been diminished as he has struggled with minor injuries, and Bucky Irving has emerged as a quality NFL back. White now hits free agency looking for a bigger role, and he could be slated to find one in his hometown of Kansas City.

The Low-Risk Flyer: Jerome Ford (<$3M)

In the NFL, it is often frowned upon to invest significant capital into a running back. If the Chiefs are looking to spend money elsewhere, they could look at a less expensive running back with high upside to perform. Ford was another back in the 2022 class and broke out for the Browns in 2023 when he went for 1,000 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns. Ford has proven he still has that athletic ability, but he has struggled to get healthy since that 2023 injury. A nagging hamstring, ankle issues, and a season-ending shoulder injury have made it hard for him to find the field. If the Chiefs are looking to add running back talent outside of free agency, Ford could be a reliable depth piece.

The Veteran Safety Net: Kareem Hunt (~$3M)

Hunt led the Chiefs in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns for four years (2017, 2018, 2024, and 2025), and he has proven that he is still a reliable NFL running back. Hunt is no longer the player he once was, and he will be 31 by Week 1 of next season. But the Chiefs will go into the offseason with just Brashard Smith on the roster, and if Kansas City looks to add a young running back through free agency or the draft, Hunt's veteran presence will be valuable. Hunt's estimated value is ~$3 million, and if the Chiefs can get him at that price, he could have significant value.