Chiefs' backfield time bomb? Kansas City faces short-term fix, long-term crisis at key offensive spot

While the Kansas City Chiefs remain laser-focused on bolstering their offensive and defensive lines heading into next week's NFL Draft, a less obvious - but potentially urgent - issue is brewing in the backfield.

The reigning champs might look solid at running back on paper for 2025, with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and newcomer Elijah Mitchell locked in. But here's the kicker: none of them are under contract beyond next season.

That's right - the entire running back room could hit free agency in 2026. It's a problem flying under the radar, but ESPN's Adam Teicher says the front office is very aware.

Is the solution in the draft?

"Mitchell, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt give the Chiefs enough depth to begin the season, but... none of the three players is signed beyond 2025, so not adding a back in the draft this year could mean starting from scratch in 2026," Teicher wrote.

General manager Brett Veach has hinted that a running back is likely to be selected during the draft. And with the Chiefs' track record of late-round finds ( Pacheco in the 7th round in 2022?), the move wouldn't be shocking - it would be smart.

A young, cost-controlled back could step in as insurance this year and potentially become the starter in 2026, giving Kansas City both flexibility and continuity. With Hunt's long-term future unclear and Mitchell still unproven in the Chiefs' system, the need is quietly becoming urgent.

The Chiefs need to take action now

If Pacheco has a bounce-back year, he could earn an extension - but even that wouldn't solve the depth issue long-term. That's why locking in a rookie now could be key to keeping the offense humming in future seasons.

For now, it's not a crisis. But Kansas City knows better than anyone - in the NFL, if you wait too long to fix a problem, you're already too late.