A glaring roster hole has come into sharp focus for the Kansas City Chiefs as of January 29, 2026: the running back position. Team depth charts reveal that only one player, Brashard Smith, is currently under contract for the 2026 NFL season. This situation underscores what will be one of General Manager Brett Veach's most pressing priorities this offseason.
Smith, who joined the team in 2025, showed flashes of potential but the lack of experienced depth behind him presents a significant challenge. The urgency of this need is highlighted by the team's immediate action in the personnel market, signing University of Central Arkansas alum ShunDerrick Powell to a reserve/future contract. Powell will compete for a role, but he represents a developmental prospect, not a proven solution. Furthermore, the Chiefs' reported interest in interviewing Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach DeLand McCullough for a staff position, a coach known for his connections to top 2026 draft prospects at the position, strongly signals a draft-centric approach to solving this problem.
The barren running back room compounds the offensive questions facing the Chiefs. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes rehabbing and the offensive line potentially in flux due to salary cap constraints, establishing a reliable ground game will be crucial for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The team must now aggressively pursue multiple avenues—likely a combination of a veteran free agent signing, a draft pick (potentially using one of their valuable selections), and continued exploration of the undrafted and futures market—to build a competent backfield. This overhaul is a foundational element of head coach Andy Reid's plan to revitalize an offense that struggled throughout the disappointing 2025 season.
