March 4, 2026 – The Kansas City Chiefs have a major decision to make in the offseason — one that could reshape their offensive game plan for the 2026 season. While their passing game remains one of the most potent in the league, their running game has been a glaring weakness.

Kansas City’s ground attack finished the 2025 season ranked 25th in the league with just 106.6 rushing yards per game, underscoring the need for an overhaul in the backfield.

As the team looks to improve the rushing game, there’s now a new opportunity in the market that could significantly help the Chiefs’ backfield — former Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who is now a free agent after the Broncos declined to tender him for the 2026 season.

The Chiefs’ RB Dilemma and the McLaughlin Opportunity

With Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt both set to hit free agency, and with Kansas City’s tight financial situation, it’s likely that both running backs could be moving on. While both players have had strong moments in the Chiefs’ offense, their performance hasn’t been consistently enough to justify their retention. The Chiefs’ front office, led by GM Brett Veach, needs to find an upgrade at the position — and McLaughlin could be an intriguing solution.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, McLaughlin has officially become a free agent, and Kansas City should now be paying attention to his availability. While McLaughlin is not a superstar, he could be a valuable addition to the Chiefs’ backfield.

McLaughlin’s Solid Production in Limited Action

In just eight games last season for the Broncos, McLaughlin proved to be a productive player, even in a crowded backfield. The 5-foot-8, 185-pound back averaged a solid 4.8 yards per carry, a mark that significantly outpaces both Hunt (3.8) and Pacheco (3.9).

Despite a limited role in 2025, McLaughlin totaled 187 rushing yards on 37 carries, adding a touchdown to his name. He also contributed in the passing game with four receptions for 27 yards, further demonstrating his versatility as a threat in the passing attack — something the Chiefs value in their offensive scheme.

While McLaughlin has not been the go-to back for a team like the Broncos, his efficient production in limited action could be exactly what the Chiefs need to bolster their backfield depth. He has shown potential, and with the right system, he could thrive in Kansas City’s dynamic offense.

A Financially Viable Option for Kansas City

McLaughlin’s potential availability at a discounted price could be highly attractive for the Chiefs. With the team currently $5.4 million over the salary cap, adding a capable player at a low cost is critical. According to Spotrac, McLaughlin has made just $2.7 million in his first three seasons in the league, which means he’s likely to come at a bargain price compared to other free-agent running backs.

While the Chiefs will eventually free up some cap space by releasing veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor — estimated to clear $20 million — the team is still under financial constraints. McLaughlin’s affordable price tag makes him an attractive option for a team looking to add talent without breaking the bank.

However, this does not mean the Chiefs should rely solely on McLaughlin. Kansas City still needs to bring in a starting-caliber, three-down back to complement the offense. There have been rumors that the Chiefs could target Jeremiyah Love, a standout Notre Dame running back, with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft. A high-caliber rookie combined with McLaughlin could provide the Chiefs with the depth and stability they need to elevate their running game.

Rebuilding the Backfield: A Vital Offseason for the Chiefs

The Chiefs’ rushing attack has long been a vulnerable aspect of their offense, especially with a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, who thrives on big plays and has historically been able to mask deficiencies in the run game. However, head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy know that an effective running game is essential for playoff success, especially as defenses continue to improve.

Even if McLaughlin is added to the team, the Chiefs cannot afford to rely solely on him for the upcoming season. This is a team in desperate need of a more reliable and dynamic running back — and McLaughlin, while a potential option, should only be part of the equation. With Pacheco and Hunt likely departing, it’s time for Kansas City to completely overhaul the running back room and give Bieniemy and Reid the necessary tools to elevate the offense.

Conclusion: A Critical Decision for the Chiefs

The availability of Jaleel McLaughlin offers an interesting solution to the Chiefs’ ongoing struggles in the backfield. While not a superstar, McLaughlin’s efficiency and versatility make him a strong candidate for the Chiefs to consider. At a low cost, he could provide depth and competition for the running back position, particularly in the wake of Pacheco’s and Hunt’s likely departure.

That said, the Chiefs still need a more reliable starting running back, whether that’s through the draft or another free-agent addition. By making the right moves this offseason, the Chiefs can rebuild their backfield, giving Mahomes, Bieniemy, and Reid the support they need to compete for another Super Bowl.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Chiefs’ offseason moves and how they plan to revamp their backfield for the 2026 NFL season.