The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for many changes this offseason. A Trent McDuffie trade has kick-started what could be in store. Now, Kansas City must come out of the gates aggressive once free agency opens.
It is not just about making a simple move once the new league year begins. The Chiefs have to take care of roster holes with notable differences. There have already been plenty of running backs linked to K.C. inside of a deeper free-agent running back class. Defensive line remains another top area of weakness as well.
Chiefs must finally chase big fish at running back
The Chiefs have traditionally not allocated much spending to the running back position. But with where the roster is at, especially offensively, Kansas City cannot afford to sit on their hands and miss one of the big fish. Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne are each receiving ties to Kansas City. It may take roughly $11 million per season to land one of those two runners.
You could also look to names like Rico Dowdle and Tyler Allgeier as pieces that can potentially handle starting roles. Ideally, Kansas City just needs to get a running back that can be leaned upon. The mix of Patrick Mahomes' injury recovery, the need for explosiveness as a rushing offense, and a more balanced offensive attack should urge the Chiefs to be aggressive and get a running back signed right away.
RB draft class viewed as spotty
The running back class is not seen as fondly inside of the 2026 NFL Draft. Plenty of analysts and general managers have mentioned that since the Scouting Combine commenced. Even Chiefs general manager Brett Veach mentioned that the class is "leaner."
That does not mean that Kansas City will completely avoid drafting a running back come April. However, the Chiefs simply need a proven commodity to lead that spot. If K.C. tries to attack the running back position modestly, their tepidness could truly come back to bite them in the 2026 season.
Veach typically wants to have as many team needs covered as he can entering the draft. With the free agents available and the mixed reviews on this running back class, the Chiefs must secure a top runner immediately.
Defensive line options differ from running back
As for the defensive line, this is seen differently than the running back draft class. Edge rusher trounces most other spots in this draft in terms of talent and depth. Defensive tackle also looks promising among the available options for rounds one through three.
You cannot say that free-agent defensive linemen look as appealing as the running backs this year. Versatility is lacking in this year's free-agent defensive line crop. You have players that likely only offer one good year for a team like Kansas City—maybe two good years at best.
Even though the Chiefs usually pay the heavier price more often for defensive line signings, we could still see them shell out more cash for running back. Kansas City could add one free-agent defensive lineman on a prominent deal. Then come draft time, you look for the Chiefs to let the board fall to them at defensive tackle and edge rusher.
In the end, you would still like to see K.C. make a defensive line move in the first wave of free agency. But the urgency for running back remains stronger in this particular free-agent class.