Chiefs Kingdom gets worrying future update on star RB

The Kansas City Chiefs' biggest problem area entering the offseason is at running back.

Both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are free agents, and it's unclear whether the franchise wants to bring back both, just one, or neither.

Brashard Smith looms as one to take a step up this offseason, and the Chiefs have been linked with several star free agent backs in Breece Hall and Travis Etienne.

But what about Pacheco?

The Athletic's Jesse Newell thinks it's likely Pacheco is on a different team in 2026.

"The Chiefs waited patiently the last two seasons for Pacheco to show renewed burst after he sustained multiple injuries," Newell wrote. "Unfortunately for both parties, it never fully reappeared. He seems likely to sign elsewhere, with that team hoping the 26-year-old can see a career resurgence with better health luck."

More: Chiefs' Andy Reid offers key Patrick Mahomes injury update

Chiefs' run game set to be revamped

Well, if we are reading the tea leaves correctly, then yes.

Is there any sense in bringing back either Hunt or Pacheco? Likely not, but if the Chiefs wanted a cheap, veteran option in case of an emergency, then Hunt might be the player they go with.

Kansas City is presented with a chance to overhaul the run game for Patrick Mahomes and to take some of the offensive load off his shoulders this offseason.

And if moving on from Hunt and Pacheco is the way to do it, then Chiefs Kingdom might have seen the last of the running back tandem.

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