The Kansas City Chiefs made a quiet but strategic roster move this week, waiving veteran running back just days after adding undrafted rookie Brashard Smith to their 90-man offseason roster.
While the timing raised eyebrows among some observers, head coach Andy Reid left no room for speculation when asked about the team’s running back depth chart heading into training camp.
“Pacheco’s our guy,” Reid said on Wednesday. “He’s earned that job and continues to lead by example. That’s not a spot we’re looking to change.”
With that single statement, Reid reaffirmed what most Chiefs fans already believed: third-year back Isiah Pacheco remains locked in as the team’s RB1 — a role he’s seized with physicality, consistency, and passion since his breakout rookie campaign.
Pacheco, a 2022 seventh-round pick, has defied all expectations. In 2024, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and contributed heavily in the passing game and blitz pickups — becoming an every-down back and an emotional tone-setter for Kansas City’s offense.
Keaontay Ingram, meanwhile, never gained traction in Kansas City after brief stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars. His release opens the door for Brashard Smith, a speedy, undersized playmaker out of Miami (FL), to compete for a roster spot as a depth RB and return specialist.
The RB2 role is currently occupied by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who re-signed with the Chiefs earlier this offseason on a one-year deal. He will likely serve as a change-of-pace option and third-down contributor.
Behind them, the competition is wide open. Players like Deneric Prince, Louis Rees-Zammit, and now Smith are expected to battle for the final spot — or two — on the 53-man roster.
“This is about opportunity,” Reid added. “We’ve got young guys who want it, and this is their shot.”
With the top of the depth chart solidified and competition heating up below, Kansas City’s running back room is taking shape — fast and physical, just the way Reid likes it.
And as for the lead back? There’s no debate: It’s still Pacheco’s job to lose.
