In a shocking turn of events this season, the Kansas City Chiefs will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014, which means free agent Isiah Pacheco is likely to sign with a new team. Pacheco came off one of his worst games against the Houston Texans, recording nine carries for 30 rushing yards. The Chiefs haven’t used him much this season, and now the biggest question is whether they’ll bring him back. It doesn’t seem like that’s the case since Pacheco hasn’t looked the same since suffering a brutal injury in 2024, while veteran Kareem Hunt handled most of the starting reps on the ground.
Latest Chiefs Loss May Signal Top 2026 Free Agent Isiah Pacheco Departure
Kansas City hasn’t utilized Pacheco these past few games, and that tells you that the Chiefs are moving in a different direction. However, the same could be the case for Hunt as both are slated to hit free agency in March. Originally selected as a seventh-round pick in 2022, the future looks gloomy for Pacheco as he will be fighting for a new opportunity on a different team. Another report believes that Pacheco is not in the long-term plans, so it’s no wonder that they haven’t been using him to the best of his abilities.
The hope was that Pacheco would return this season to become the main starter for the Chiefs’ ground game, but he looked like a shell of his former self last year. If this is the end for Pacheco, it’s not the worst for him, as a fresh start might be needed in his situation. After becoming an integral part of winning two Super Bowls during his time with the Chiefs, here are three teams that could pursue him on a low-stakes deal once free agency rolls around.
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The running game for the Dallas Cowboys hasn’t been the same for almost a decade. Ezekiel Elliott was the main starter for the group, but the Cowboys have gone through multiple running backs this 2025 campaign. Veteran Miles Sanders couldn’t live up to expectations, but Javonte Williams saw shines of light for the majority of the season. With Sanders injured and both him and Williams slated to become available in free agency in March, Dallas should experiment with Pacheco.
Dallas doesn’t need to offer the most explosive deal, but a one-year contract might be doable for both sides. This allows more time for rookie Jaydon Blue to get acclimated to the offense if the Cowboys want to see improvement from him. However, Pacheco and Williams could easily be a favorable duo to help Dak Prescott move the chains.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the run game saw some improvement with Jacory Croskey-Merritt having a huge game, but they could use some depth to help him. This doesn’t mean the Commanders shouldn’t find depth for the ground. Veteran Austin Ekeler got hurt with a season-ending injury, and there is no update if he will return to Washington. If he doesn’t, the Commanders could sign Pacheco to battle it out with Croskey-Merritt for the starting role.
New Orleans Saints
However, the Saints don’t need a running back, but Alvin Kamara is aging. While they had two backups in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers at one point, they didn’t exceed expectations and were cut. This means the Saints should be on the hunt for another solid running back that can help Kamara. Pacheco hasn’t been the same, but both have similar versatility and can share the snaps to become effective down the stretch.
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