The Kansas City Chiefs have needed to revamp the running back room for a little while now. It is a spot that cannot be ignored throughout the upcoming offseason. The Chiefs have needed a more stable running game in order for opponents to respect their entire offense. Plus, being more balanced in 2026 may be vital as Patrick Mahomes hopes to return early from a devastating knee injury.
Both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are set to be unrestricted free agents. Therefore, it would not be shocking if the Chiefs addressed running back in both free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Plenty of mock drafts have pegged Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to them at nine overall.
But before we know whether Kansas City drafts a running back at all, they will have chances to sign a veteran running back. There is one specific name that stands out as a mid-tier free-agent fit due to his potential contract being reasonable on the open market. That player is Tyler Allgeier.
Allgeier will be coming off his rookie deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Of course, he has played second fiddle to Bijan Robinson the last few years. Allgeier has averaged 4.3 yards per carry throughout his career. All in all, that is a favorable number given his status as a secondary piece behind one of the league’s best running backs.
Allgeier has also produced serviceable numbers as a pass catcher. He does not have the same versatility or route-running ability as Robinson, but most running backs do not. Overall, Allgeier offers a play style that could make him a dangerous and trusted piece in Andy Reid’s patented screen game.
Tyler Allgeier profiles as a dependable, mid-tier free-agent option who could help stabilize the Chiefs’ running game.
Kansas City typically looks to lean on dense, compact running backs. From a size and strength perspective, Allgeier offers the build that the Chiefs usually like at the position.
The traits that stand out most with Allgeier are his vision and feel as a zone runner. This is part of what makes him a reliable piece among this year’s free-agent running back class. Allgeier understands when to put his foot in the ground and dart upfield when a crease opens. He will also churn out impressive runs by extending toward the perimeter before cutting back against the grain.
Allgeier does not have home-run, game-breaking speed. However, how often do you see long, explosive carries consistently in the NFL? For his sturdy build, the quickness Allgeier does have between the tackles and up the middle of the field is still better than what the Chiefs have had at the position over the last two years. There is enough burst for him to generate plenty of positive chunk gains. His number of explosive runs would be a stark contrast to what Kansas City has provided in that area.
Elsewhere, Allgeier has steadily improved as a power runner throughout his career. This allows him to find extra yards through or after contact. He becomes challenging to bring down once he starts running at defenders in space. Hunt was always dependable as a runner who worked north and fell forward to prevent negative plays. Perhaps that element of the run game could remain intact with someone like Allgeier.
Another area where Allgeier’s power stands out is his ability as a closer. Atlanta frequently found success by allowing him to finish drives inside the opponent’s 10-yard line and near the goal line. That finishing mentality could help replace what Hunt provided in short-yardage situations.
Given what Allgeier offers as a whole, it is easy to envision multiple teams being willing to pay him anywhere from $5 million to $9 million per season to upgrade their running back room. There is also a scenario where the Chiefs could land him for less. But when looking at the running back market overall, Allgeier fits perfectly as a mid-tier target worth pursuing.