The Kansas City Chiefs front office is already shaping its strategy for the 2026 NFL season. They confront significant questions in the backfield. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are both approaching potential free agency. Franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes is also rehabilitating a serious knee injury. General Manager Brett Veach faces pivotal decisions. His goal is to maintain the team’s championship trajectory.
The potential departure of both primary rushers would leave a substantial void. Hunt led the team in 2025 with 559 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Pacheco added 430 yards. Their combined production has been key to offensive balance. It takes pressure off the passing game.
This looming need has made running back a frequent subject in early mock drafts. Analysts have repeatedly linked the Chiefs to Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love. He is a dynamic prospect with a proven collegiate resume.
Love amassed 2,882 career rushing yards and 36 touchdowns at Notre Dame, demonstrating the durability and scoring punch required for a feature role. His 1,372-yard, 18-touchdown final season was particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to carry an offense.
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— E! News (@enews) December 24, 2025Beyond his rushing prowess, Love’s receiving skills align perfectly with Head Coach Andy Reid’s offensive philosophy. He contributed 280 receiving yards and three scores last season, proving he is a legitimate threat out of the backfield. This versatility is highly valued in Kansas City’s scheme, as evidenced by the team’s previous selection of hybrid player Brashard Smith. Analyst Gordon McGuinness summarised the sentiment, stating, “The Chiefs with quarterback Patrick Mahomes will always terrify offences, which is why a dynamic running back would elevate the team in 2026.” Love’s elite Pro Football Focus grades of 91.1 and 92.9 over the past two seasons underscore his consistent, high-level performance.
The Mahomes Injury and Quarterback Depth
A dominant storyline overshadows the offseason regarding Patrick Mahomes’s health. The two-time MVP suffered a season-ending ACL tear with an associated LCL injury. This recovery process can extend up to nine months.
Mahomes has begun rehabilitation. However, his potential absence at the start of the 2026 season exposes a concerning lack of proven depth behind him.
Jeremiyah Love to the Kansas City Chiefs👀
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— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 23, 2025With Mahomes entering his thirties, the organisation must also consider the long-term future. Drafting a developmental quarterback this offseason could provide a succession plan, allowing a rookie to learn without immediate pressure.
The Chiefs’ decision-makers are weighing a multi-faceted approach. Drafting a running back like Jeremiyah Love in the early rounds would inject high-ceiling, cost-controlled talent into the offence, providing a long-term solution. However, the team could also explore the veteran free-agent market for a more immediate, known commodity to bridge any gap.
The quarterback situation requires a parallel strategy. Securing Minshew’s return seems prudent for 2026 stability, but using a mid-to-late round draft pick on a quarterback is a forward-thinking move that addresses the eventual transition.
Read: Patrick Mahomes Suffers Torn ACL as Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes End
The interplay between these positions is critical. A reliable running game becomes even more vital if Mahomes misses any time, helping to manage games and protect a backup quarterback. Conversely, strong quarterback play maximises the effectiveness of any running back.
The 2026 offseason represents a pivotal moment for the Kansas City Chiefs. Navigating the free agency of key offensive contributors while managing Patrick Mahomes’s rehabilitation and support system will test the front office’s acumen.
