Kenneth Walker joins Chiefs’ winning culture to revive run game

The 2025 NFL season is one the Kansas City Chiefs want to forget. They missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade after being eliminated from contention in a December matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. This game also featured quarterback Patrick Mahomes tearing his ACL.

This injury was just the cherry on top of a disastrous season, which featured offensive inefficiencies and injuries to several key starters.

With Mahomes' availability for the start of the season uncertain, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach opened free agency with a splash, signing reigning Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III. The move gives Kansas City a reliable offensive option to turn to while Mahomes works his way back from injury.

Speaking with ESPN Chiefs writer Nate Taylor about his decision to sign with Kansas City, Walker said,” It’s a winning culture, watching over the years. Plenty of Super Bowls, they know what it takes.”

Kenneth Walker III on signing with the Chiefs: "It's a winning culture, watching over the years. Plenty of Super Bowls, they know what it takes to win."

Chiefs aim to fix struggling run game

In his short time in the league, Walker has emerged as a game-changer. His combination of explosiveness and ability to force missed tackles makes him a versatile threat in both the run and pass game.

An injury-riddled 2023 season limited Walker to 11 games and a career low in rushing yards, which may have contributed to him losing snaps in 2024. While Walker remained the preferred option between the 20s, he often yielded red-zone duties to teammate Zach Charbonnet, who had 12 touchdowns compared to Walker's two.

However, after Charbonnet went down with a torn ACL in the Divisional Round, Walker was turned to to carry the load for the remainder of the playoffs. 

Walker delivered, averaging 104.3 rushing yards per game, including a season-high 135 rushing yards in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

Walker’s playoff performance made him a highly desired commodity, and the Chiefs have hopes that he will bring stability back to their offense.

In addition to Walker, Kansas City is also bringing back former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy most recently served as a running backs coach for the Chicago Bears, who finished with the NFL’s second-best rushing attack.

Last season, the duo of Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt was underwhelming for the Chiefs, who ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing offense and posted a league-low 6.5% explosive runs rate.

Speaking of his first impression of Bieniemy, Walker said, “ He’s intense. The more he talks, the more intense he gets.”

Bienemy’s offenses have historically relied on high-volume passing attacks, while the running back is relied on for situational opportunities. However, Mahomes' injury could force the Chiefs to change their approach.

With Walker's resume as a playmaker and Mahomes expected to be limited, Kansas City may have no choice but to evolve its offense next season.