Isiah Pacheco Free Agency Points Away From Chiefs
The core read from The Athletic’s Jesse Newell is pretty simple: Pacheco is “likely to sign elsewhere,” with a new team betting on a bounce-back tied to better health.
In 2025, Pacheco logged 118 carries for 462 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, after injuries disrupted his momentum over the last two seasons. He still has a physical, downhill style, but if Kansas City is trying to retool the offense, it’s not hard to see why they’d prefer flexibility over committing to another prove-it year.
🚨🚨NFL RUMORS #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is likely to sign elsewhere this offseason. #NFL pic.twitter.com/UlzlnhLjBW
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 21, 2026
Chiefs Backfield Reset Could Speed Up the Exit
Pacheco’s market might not be massive, but it only takes one team to talk itself into upside, and the valuation models already peg him as a cheaper bet than the premium backs.
Over The Cap’s 2026 valuation for him sits around $1.832M. That’s the kind of number that can tempt a club looking for toughness and depth without paying starter money, especially for a 26-year-old with recent lead-back experience.
.@jessenewell believes RB Isiah Pacheco is "likely to sign elsewhere" this offseason.
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) February 21, 2026
"Pacheco simply hasn't had the same speed following a productive first two seasons." pic.twitter.com/zki34Igbhk
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have every reason to shop the position aggressively. One name already circling the rumor mill is Travis Etienne, with a report noting “legitimate interest” in Kansas City as the team looks for more juice out of the backfield.
Photo Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
