Jaydn Ott would normally find a much brighter spotlight at this point in the offseason. So would E.J. Smith. But any bandwidth left to discuss yet another running back for the Kansas City Chiefs is somehow not there in 2026.
Ott (Oklahoma) and Smith (Texas A&M) are rookie free agents who just signed with the Chiefs shortly after the draft, which means he's still getting used to the feel of the uniform. But even after just a few weeks, they would, in a typical year, find themselves at the center of fan conversation in the hopes that K.C. might have unearthed a gem of a running back. However, their arrival hasn't moved the meter, which says everything about the team's offseason and nothing about the player.
The pair's potential is worth discussing at some point, but the lack of attention (so far) is itself a talking point. Notably, the backfield has already been widely analyzed. The Chiefs have completely overhauled the position over the last several weeks, including the signing of free agent Kenneth Walker III shortly after he was crowned Super Bowl MVP. Further additions include FA back Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson.
Undrafted running backs would normally be the buzz of spring, but the Chiefs offseason has unfolded differently in 2026.
It was only one year ago that someone like Ott or Smith would generate real excitement, even if unfounded, because of the lack of impact talent. Because the Chiefs relied on retreads, prospects like Deneric Prince, Carson Steele, Elijah Young, or Emani Bailey were seen as very real potential contributors despite their undrafted status.
Steele has been a preseason sensation who generated plenty of buzz because of a strong showing married with the position need. Prince did the same as someone viewed as a tandem partner with Isiah Pacheco. Season after season of seventh-round draft choices (e.g. Pacheco, Brashard Smith) and fringe free agent signings (e.g. Elijah Mitchell, La'Mical Perine) does something to a fan base.
These days, the primary worry at the position has nothing to do with talent levels. Instead, the only thing Chiefs Kingdom discusses with any frustration about the ground game is rooted in the disbelief that the team might actually use Walker and company well. The likes of Demercado or Johnson alone would have generated substantial excitement in years past, but having them all together as part of a position overhaul is unparalleled.
That's keeping Ott and Smith on the back burner at this stage, but Chies Kingdom has to be thrilled to not think so highly of unproven prospects.
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