The overall performance was abysmal. The game meant nothing in the grand scheme. But for Brashard Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs' final game of the 2025 season, it was a coming-out party that gave him some much-needed momentum going into a pivotal offseason.
The Chiefs lost to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday by a final score of 14-12, a pitiful showing of field goals and a safety that ultimately made you feel bad for anyone who paid money to see it. The defeat sent K.C. to a final record of 6-11 on the year, putting a sad exclamation point on a disappointing season.
But for younger players like Smith, the increase in playing time and game day responsibilities was an opportunity to seize, a chance to show the team's coaching staff that they should be trusted with more. And Smith did just that.
After averaging 2 carries per appearance through the first 16 games of his career, Smith was given 12 carries against the Raiders. He put up 56 rushing yards on the day and showcased the sort of burst and athleticism that made him an exciting late-round flyer with upside in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Brashard Smith made the most of his chance and showed why he deserves a real look in the Chiefs’ 2026 backfield.
Beyond the added dynamism at a moribund position, Smith also answered some lingering questions about his toughness on Sunday. As a slight back who converted from wide receiver in his final season at SMU in 2024, Smith faced legitimate concerns about how he'd hold up with any sort of major workload. Against the Raiders, however, Smith flashed an ability to gain yards between the tackles and rebound after a big hit.
Following the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked about Smith's performance. Reid added perspective about what he appreciated as well as what he's anticipating from Smith going forward.
"I thought he did a nice job for us," said Reid. "I like the way he caught the ball, for the most part, and ran the ball. It was good to get him in the backfield running from different spots—offset and from under center, dot runs. Positive things. He’ll get stronger this offseason, so that’s the biggest thing right now."
This offseason, the Chiefs are expected to wipe the slate clean at running back. Isiah Pacheco is scheduled to hit free agency after four seasons in K.C. Kareem Hunt is also wrapping up another one-year deal. Elijah Mitchell was already let go, and Dameon Pierce's deal is expiring as well. Other than Smith, no one else is under contract at this point for 2026.
It's possible old faces return, but Smith has the edge on the competition at this point, at least to own some portion of the load in 2026. A major investment or two will keep Smith from taking on some sort of lead back role, but that was never in the cards for him anyway. However, there's little reason why the Chiefs shouldn't challenge him to take on a Jerick McKinnon-type of role going forward.