By FanHub Insider | April 21, 2025
KANSAS CITY, MO — The Super Bowl champs just hit the upgrade button.
In a surprise late-offseason move, the Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly signed former Pro Bowl running back Austin Ekeler to a one-year deal worth up to $6.5 million, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“Kansas City needed more juice in the backfield,” one AFC scout told FanHub.
“Ekeler gives them thunder, lightning — and touchdowns.”
🔁 New Thunder to Pair with Pacheco
While Isiah Pacheco continues to be the heart-and-soul brawler of the Chiefs’ run game, injuries and usage questions have hovered over the third-year back. And let’s face it:
KC’s ground attack stalled in big moments last year.
Enter Ekeler — a dual-threat back with 39 career TDs and a knack for catching passes out of the backfield. Just two seasons ago, he posted:
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915 rushing yards
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722 receiving yards
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18 total touchdowns
“He’s not the same guy he was in 2022,” said one NFL insider,
“but in a committee role with Mahomes? He’s deadly.”
🔥 Fit for Andy Reid’s Offense?
Let’s be real — Andy Reid loves versatility.
With Rashee Rice potentially suspended and Kadarius Toney doing Kadarius Toney things, Reid could use a guy like Ekeler in the screen game, motion looks, and even as a slot weapon in empty sets.
“He’s basically a WR in a RB body,” a Chiefs coach joked.
💰 The Deal & Cap Moves
Kansas City worked some magic to fit Ekeler under the cap:
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Converted Joe Thuney’s base salary to bonus
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Released reserve DB Nick Jones
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Restructured Chris Jones’ incentives
Ekeler’s contract includes:
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$3.5M guaranteed
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$3M in incentives for total yards, TDs, and playoff snaps
“He wanted a ring. This is his best shot,” said his agent.
🏆 Can He Push KC Over the Top Again?
Make no mistake — the Chiefs are still Mahomes’ team.
But after a sloppy Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, Andy Reid knew something was missing. Toughness. Consistency. A veteran presence in the backfield.
Ekeler might be the spark they lacked.
💬 Chiefs Kingdom Reacts
“Pacheco + Ekeler = backfield perfection.” – @RedSeaRush
“That checkdown option gonna be SCARY.” – @MahomesEra
“I hated him on the Chargers. I love him now.” – @ChiefsTillIDie
