The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a pivotal decision as they look ahead to the 2025 NFL season. With running back Isiah Pacheco’s contract situation uncertain and the team facing salary cap constraints, speculation has mounted over whether the Chiefs should draft a local prospect to secure their future at the position.
Pacheco has been a key part of Kansas City’s offensive success, providing a powerful rushing attack to complement Patrick Mahomes’ explosive passing game. However, with injuries mounting and contract negotiations stalling, the franchise must decide whether to re-sign Pacheco or turn to the draft to find his successor.
Isiah Pacheco’s Current Situation: Injuries, Performance, and Contract Talks
A Rocky 2024 Season
After an impressive rookie season in 2022, Isiah Pacheco quickly became a fan favorite in Kansas City. His hard-nosed running style, explosive speed, and ability to absorb contact made him a valuable asset in Andy Reid’s offensive system.
However, the 2024 season was not kind to Pacheco. A fractured fibula forced him to miss 13 games, leaving the Chiefs scrambling for answers in the backfield. When he returned, he struggled to regain his elite form, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and scoring only one touchdown.
These struggles have led to questions about whether the Chiefs should commit to a long-term deal or look for a fresh, younger option in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Contract Uncertainty: Will the Chiefs Re-Sign Pacheco?
Pacheco is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which was originally valued at $3.7 million over four years. Given his injury history and declining efficiency, the Chiefs have been hesitant to offer a long-term extension.
With Kansas City facing a salary cap deficit of approximately $30–36 million, general manager Brett Veach and the front office must be strategic about how they allocate resources. Investing in a rookie running back on a cheaper contract could provide cap relief while allowing them to strengthen other key areas of the roster.
Chiefs’ Salary Cap Situation: A Tight Financial Outlook
As of March 2025, the Chiefs are navigating a difficult salary cap situation. The team’s financial constraints mean they must make tough roster decisions, especially when it comes to re-signing veteran players and negotiating new contracts.
Kansas City has already made several notable roster moves, including:
- Signing RB Elijah Mitchell (a potential replacement for Pacheco)
- Acquiring WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to add speed to Mahomes’ receiving corps
- Trading All-Pro LG Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears to free up cap space
- Retaining key defensive playmaker Nick Bolton
With these moves in mind, drafting a running back on a rookie deal could be the most cost-effective solution for the Chiefs’ long-term success.
Why the Chiefs Must Consider Drafting a Running Back
Given Pacheco’s uncertain future, the Chiefs must be proactive in finding his potential successor. Fortunately, the 2025 NFL Draft features several promising running back prospects, including some local stars who could seamlessly integrate into Kansas City’s offense.
Two standout candidates the Chiefs have shown interest in include:
1. Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)
2024 Stats:
- 1,711 rushing yards
- 21 rushing touchdowns
- 45 receptions for 605 receiving yards
Skattebo is a dynamic, dual-threat running back who could thrive in Andy Reid’s offensive scheme. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute in the passing game makes him an ideal fit alongside Mahomes.
Additionally, his tough, downhill running style mirrors that of Pacheco, ensuring that the Chiefs wouldn’t lose their hard-hitting ground game if they moved on from their current starter.
2. Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
2024 Stats:
- 1,060 rushing yards
- 14 rushing touchdowns
- 22 receptions for 161 receiving yards
Judkins, while not as explosive as Skattebo, is a well-rounded back with elite vision and patience. He excels in zone-run schemes and has the potential to be a three-down back at the next level.
If the Chiefs are looking for a reliable, consistent runner who can take pressure off Mahomes, Judkins could be the perfect selection in the second or third round.
Draft vs. Free Agency: What’s the Best Move?
With Elijah Mitchell now on the roster, Kansas City has a solid veteran option who could handle starting duties if Pacheco departs. However, relying on Mitchell alone is risky, given his own injury history.
Drafting a young, cost-effective running back would provide much-needed depth and insurance at the position while allowing the team to focus financial resources on other key areas, such as the offensive line or wide receiver.
Fan Reactions: Chiefs Kingdom Weighs In
As speculation over Pacheco’s future grows, Chiefs fans have been vocal about their opinions.
Some remain loyal to Pacheco, believing he deserves a contract extension after everything he’s contributed to the franchise. Others feel that his injury history makes him too risky and that drafting a younger, more durable player is the best course of action.
What Are the Fans Saying?
Twitter user @ChiefsFan4Life:
“Pacheco deserves a shot to prove he’s still the guy. We need to give him one more year before making any drastic decisions!”
Reddit user u/KCForever:
“With our cap situation, it makes ZERO sense to re-sign Pacheco. The draft has some great backs—let’s grab one and keep it moving.”
Instagram comment from @ArrowheadNation:
“I love Pacheco, but the injuries are a concern. If we can get Cam Skattebo in the 3rd round, I say go for it.”
The fanbase is clearly split, but the Chiefs’ front office must prioritize the team’s long-term success over sentimental loyalty.
Strategic Implications for the Chiefs’ Future
Whether the Chiefs decide to extend Pacheco, sign a veteran, or draft a rookie, their choice will shape the franchise’s offensive identity moving forward.
Key Factors to Consider
- Pacheco’s Recovery: Can he return to his pre-injury form, or will the injuries continue to hamper his production?
- Financial Flexibility: With major salary cap concerns, can the Chiefs afford to invest in a running back long-term?
- Draft Depth: Are there better-value prospects in later rounds who could offer similar production?
Final Thoughts: The Chiefs Must Make a Tough Call
The Kansas City Chiefs have a critical decision to make regarding Isiah Pacheco’s future. With his contract nearing its end, injuries piling up, and salary cap restrictions limiting their options, the team must decide whether to invest in him or draft his successor.
With local prospects like Cam Skattebo and Quinshon Judkins available, Kansas City has the opportunity to secure its long-term future while running back while staying financially responsible.
No matter what decision the Chiefs make, one thing is clear: their ultimate goal is to keep Mahomes and the offense in championship contention for years to come.
The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft has begun, and Chiefs Kingdom eagerly awaits the next move. Will Pacheco stay, or is a new era about to begin in Kansas City?
