The echoes of a 6-11 season have faded, but the lessons remain. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the 2025 campaign served as a stark reminder that even the most potent passing attacks need a reliable counterpunch. As the franchise embarks on a critical offseason aimed at returning to contention, one position group has emerged as a clear focal point: running back.
According to a recent report from ESPN's Nate Taylor, the Chiefs' front office is not approaching this need with a narrow lens. Instead, they are casting a wide net, actively evaluating multiple options across both free agency and the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft to comprehensively address the backfield. This "all options on the table" philosophy signals a decisive shift in strategy following a year in which the running game too often failed to provide the necessary balance.
The free agent market presents intriguing, proven talent. Per Taylor's reporting, the Chiefs have their eyes on a pair of dynamic, young veterans who could immediately transform the offense: Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne. Both players represent the modern archetype of a feature back -- players capable of grinding between the tackles while posing a legitimate home-run threat on any given carry.
Walker, a former Offensive Rookie of the Year, brings a violent, one-cut running style and proven production. His ability to create yards after contact and finish runs with authority would inject a physicality the Chiefs' offense has sometimes lacked. Etienne, conversely, offers elite burst and game-breaking speed. His prowess as a receiver out of the backfield would add another dimension to Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy's playbook, creating mismatches in the passing game that have been a staple of the Chiefs' success for years. Pursuing either player would be a significant financial commitment, but it's a clear statement of intent: the Chiefs are willing to invest premium resources to fix the problem.
However, the draft route offers a different set of advantages, primarily cost control and long-term roster building. The 2026 draft class is expected to be deep at the running back position, and the Chiefs appear to be doing their homework on the top prospects. Jeremiyah Love, the explosive runner out of Notre Dame, is specifically mentioned in Taylor's report as a player of interest. Love possesses a tantalizing blend of size, vision, and breakaway speed, profiling as a potential three-down workhorse at the next level. His collegiate production and athletic profile make him a likely Day 1 or Day 2 selection, comfortably within Kansas City's draft range.
The Chiefs' need at running back is multifaceted. Last season, the backfield was plagued by inconsistency, injury, and a lack of explosive plays. The committee approach failed to establish a consistent identity, leaving the offense predictable and placing an unsustainable burden on the passing game. In today's NFL, a functional running game is not just about rushing statistics; it's about controlling tempo, protecting leads, converting in short-yardage and red zone situations, and keeping defenses honest against play-action. The Chiefs' shortcomings in these areas were a significant contributor to their losing record.
This comprehensive evaluation process suggests General Manager Brett Veach and his staff are weighing several key factors. The free agency path offers certainty and immediate impact but comes with a higher salary cap hit that could affect other roster moves. The draft path is more economical and offers a player on a cost-controlled rookie deal for four to five years, but it carries the inherent risk of projection and development time. The "mulling all options" approach indicates the Chiefs are preparing contingency plans, likely ranking both veteran and rookie prospects to determine the best value when the market opens and their draft slot arrives.
Furthermore, this decision is inextricably linked to the broader offensive philosophy. Andy Reid has historically thrived with versatile backs who are threats in the passing game -- think Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, and the multifaceted way he has utilized players like Jerick McKinnon in Kansas City. The type of back they ultimately acquire will signal how Reid and Bieniemy intend to evolve the offense post-2025. Will they seek a bell-cow to carry a heavier load or a dynamic weapon to complement a pass-first system? The players they are reportedly considering, from Etienne's receiving prowess to Love's all-around potential, suggest they value versatility highly.
For Chiefs fans enduring an unfamiliar offseason of reflection rather than championship celebration, this news should be encouraging. It demonstrates a clear-eyed assessment of roster weaknesses and a proactive, aggressive plan to rectify them. The running back position was a glaring hole, and the front office is not settling for a minor patch job. They are investigating the full spectrum of solutions, from splashy veteran signings that would dominate headlines to shrewd draft picks that could define the backfield for years to come.
The 2026 offseason is a pivotal one for the Kansas City Chiefs. Returning to the AFC's elite requires tough, correct decisions. By thoroughly scouring both free agency and the draft for running back talent, the organization is taking the first crucial step in rebuilding a balanced, formidable offense. Whether the answer arrives via a lucrative contract or a called name at the draft podium, one thing is clear: the Chiefs' backfield in 2026 will look different, and the team expects it to be significantly better.