Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has an uncertain future in this upcoming 2025 campaign as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. According to a report, Pacheco is riding a lot on this year since coming back from a gruesome injury last season that kept him out of action for the majority of that campaign. Head Coach Andy Reid isn’t giving up on Pacheco, but he’s clearly on the hot seat, and it should come as no surprise that the Chiefs are holding off on giving him a contract extension. The Chiefs want to ensure Pacheco can stay healthy for a full season before guaranteeing him any new deal.
Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Rutgers product became one of the most promising running backs in the league behind Patrick Mahomes’s ground game on this offense. However, after an injury, the Chiefs had to rely on veteran Kareem Hunt for the majority of snaps, which did fare well during last season. It was a huge reason why the Chiefs are bringing him back to the lineup. Despite that, the Chiefs did sign a new running back in free agent, Elijah Mitchell, so are they preparing for life after Pacheco?
This might be the case during this year’s draft as they will likely draft a new running back. It shouldn’t be any surprise if they do. Pacheco has a lot to prove and if he can’t do it in Kansas City, he could have a second chance with these three teams.
RUMOR: Chiefs Star Isiah Pacheco Future Is Uncertain This Upcoming Season – Possible Free Agent?
Three Logical Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
If things don’t work out with Najee Harris this season, they could Pacheco when he becomes available in next year’s free agency. The Chargers want an old-school running back, and they probably found that in Harris this offseason. They will still need a capable backup, and Pacheco could fill that hole if it continues to deplete with the Chiefs. Harris lacks speed, and while Pacheco could have injury issues, he’s a capable runner to shift the momentum at the right moments.
Quarterback Justin Herbert could use Pacheco in situational moments like screenplays, so he has another capable weapon. The Chargers have yet to find a consistent playmaker, and if they’re reluctant to find another wide receiver, this could be the route they take. Kimani Vidal is still developing, so he isn’t ready for full-time duties, and Pacheco is clearly the upgrade.
Carolina Panthers
As for the Panthers, no one is taking Chuba Hubbard’s job after his recent contract extension. The journey for Jonathan Brooks will have to wait longer into next year, and even if he does return, it might not be worth the risk anymore. The Panthers could probably trade for Pacheco. While that may not happen, it could happen at the right deal in this year’s draft.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys got two running backs in free agency: Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. However, it seems like they’re just temporary options, as both are washed up due to their recent years with other teams. If the Cowboys miss out on a capable running back in this draft, they should do the “Jack of all trades” and get Pacheco to finally get an answer in their unit.
The post RUMOR: Chiefs Star Future Is Uncertain This Upcoming Season – Possible Free Agent? appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.