In less than a month, the NFL’s free agency period will open, and the Kansas City Chiefs should be looking into the pool of unrestricted free agents to strengthen the running back position.
Through an underperforming 2025 season, the Chiefs’ rotation consisted of Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith. The rookie Smith will enter his second season as the only back under contract in 2026 right now.
This year’s free agent class is stocked with quality running backs who could be instant impact
players in Kansas City. Here are three that the Chiefs should target, starting with arguably the top option in the class.
1. Breece Hall
It would require a significant financial investment, but Hall would provide Kansas City with the elite, all-purpose back the organization has lacked since Kareem Hunt burst onto the scene to start his up-and-down career in 2017 and 2018.
Despite playing for the wayward New York Jets, Hall has managed to be productive. After missing out by six yards in his second season, Hall eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in the fourth and final year of his rookie deal,
This move would be a swing for the fences by general manager Brett Veach, and one that would indicate the Chiefs are committed to building up the ground game as a real feature of the offense.
Hall would have a chance to compete for All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors if he was Kansas City’s lead back, but his price tag will be matching that elite potential.
Per Spotrac, Hall’s market value is close to $10 million per season, which would be a significant investment for the team to make, especially because he does have a history of injuries.
Hall is the kind of player who could make enough of an immediate difference for the Chiefs’ offense to return to championship form immediately.
2. Kenneth Gainwell
If the Chiefs decided to go a more affordable route, or one with a significant draft selection, Kenneth Gainwell could be a player Kansas City’s coaching staff can utilize in a variety of ways, no matter how the rest of the backfield shakes out.
A career backup, Gainwell found his footing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, where he became a solid receiving option out of the backfield as well as in the slot.
Gainwell brings shiftiness and good speed to the table, but he would also provide a veteran presence in the running back room. He would be a Swiss Army knife the Chiefs’ backfield has lacked since another veteran back, Jerick McKinnon.
The perfect complement to a “power” back, Gainwell is estimated to make only around $3 million per season, per Spotrac. He’s a good bargain for any team looking to add explosive capability to the backfield.
3. Javonte Williams
If the Chiefs want to land somewhere between Gainwell and Hall on the financial side of things, Williams is a good player to look at. According to Over The Cap, the valuation of his annual market value is just over $9 million.
As he began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, Williams carried the label of a “bruising” back, but a significant injury his second season impacted his ability to ascend further in Denver. After signing with Dallas in free agency, he had his first real shot at being a lead back, and he took advantage to the tune of 1,201 rushing yards.
Williams is more than just a bruiser. His ability to create momentum after clearing the initial wave of defenders and reaching top speed is impressive.
Given Williams’ play style, the projected seven-digit annual salary would be a worthwhile investment for the Chiefs.
It would give them a back capable of starting the season, but also will leave the door open for them to draft and develop a younger, talented player to learn and prepare underneath him.
Do you agree the Chiefs should attempt to sign these players? What other backs should Kansas City be eyeing on the open market? Let us know in the comments before rumors start swirling at the NFL Scouting Combine next week.
