Trey Smith couldn't stop raving about Ken Walker after watching the Super Bowl
The complete overhaul of the Kansas City Chiefs' ground game has been the biggest pivot point of the team's offseason. Trey Smith sounds ready for it.
While general manager Brett Veach has made trades, signings, and releases that have affected all aspects of the roster, the entire Chiefs organization has placed a special emphasis on rebuilding the backfield in hopes of greater dynamism and impact in 2026. That includes new coaches and players, anchored by the signing of star free agent RB Kenneth Walker.
Walker's arrival is the story of the Chiefs' offseason so far, the exciting import of the reigning Super Bowl MVP at perhaps the position of greatest need. Isiah Pacheco departed for Detroit. Kareem Hunt remains unsigned. Walker is now the centerpiece of a rebuilt position that also includes fellow newcomer Emari Demercado.
The Chiefs right guard spoke with Mitch Morse about the biggest offseason upgrade in Kenneth Walker III.
During an appearance on the debut episode of Mitch Morse's new podcast, In Good Company, Smith was asked by a fan how the offensive line plans to adjust to Walker's patient running style. Instead of addressing the technical aspects of what's required, Smith sounded like an actual fan himself when discussing what Walker brings to the team, saying, "[I'm] fired the f--- up for him to be my teammate."
"Just watching him in the Super Bowl, one thing that stood out to me was the patience he had as a runner," Smith said. "Before, I don't know if it was [Cris] Collinsworth or anyone said anything, I was thinking, like, 'Damn, he runs like Le'Veon Bell.' I remember as a kid watching Le'Veon Bell almost walk up, hit it, and take off."
Smith said he hadn't seen much of Walker's tape prior to the Super Bowl, but he came away a believer in real time. "I just kept saying, like, 'This guy is good. Damn, he's good. Wow, he let the block develop. Damn, he's good.'"
Walker signed a three-year deal worth up to $45 million to rejuvenate the Chiefs' rushing attack. Given the strength of the interior offensive line, of which Smith is a part at right guard, Walker is expected to dominate behind a stout front that includes Smith and center Creed Humphrey as perennial Pro Bowlers alongside talented young linemen like left tackle Josh Simmons and left guard Kingsley Suamataia.
Last season, Walker had 221 carries for 1,027 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. He added another 31 catches for 282 receiving yards while working in tandem with Zach Charbonnet. He has over 4,500 yards from scrimmage in his four-year career, all with the Seattle Seahawks.