Chiefs' most improved position in free agency spells doom for NFL

Most knew the Kansas City Chiefs were going to address the running back position this offseason, and some thought the franchise would do it through the draft.

But others thought free agency would be where general manager Brett Veach could look. And he did.

The Chiefs landed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to overhaul the run game, and with Isiah Pacheco out, many wonder if Kareem Hunt will return.

Still, the Chiefs' offense now takes on a whole new look for Patrick Mahomes and Co. as finally, the run game is a threat.

For PFF's Bradley Locker, things just got scary for the NFL.

“The Chiefs’ signing of Kenneth Walker III should single-handedly revolutionize the team’s run game in 2026 and beyond,” Locker writes. “While the tandem of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco was occasionally serviceable next to Patrick Mahomes, Walker offers an entirely distinct dimension in terms of consistent success, explosiveness and elusiveness at running back.

“The reigning Super Bowl MVP instantly raises the floor of the Chiefs’ offense as it looks to return to dynastic, big-play form.”

More: Vikings' Kyler Murray free agency signing gets eye-popping grade

Walker set for big role in 2026

Patrick Mahomes was on track to have nearly a career-high in pass attempts last season (502 through 14 games), as he averaged 35 pass attempts per game. Mahomes' highest-ever was in 2021 (658 attempts), so he was going to get close.

But why? 

Because the run game gave him and the offense nothing.

Now with Walker, expect the Chiefs' offense to be far more balanced, and even maybe a little heavier on the rushing side than passing. Saying that when you have Mahomes as your quarterback isn't ideal, but that might be what happens here.

With Patrick coming off an ACL injury, the Chiefs will want to protect him as much as they can, and to do it, they need a stud run game.

And now, thanks to the Walker addition, Kansas City has just that.

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