The Kansas City Chiefs added a running back on the first day of the legal tampering window, with former San Francisco 49ers ball carrier Elijah Mitchell joining Kansas City on a one-year deal. While his youth and potential speed in the backfield are exciting factors, Mitchell is still widely viewed as a bit of a gamble.
Mitchell has dealt with numerous injuries in his career. Of course, he was not consistently the lead runner in San Francisco’s rotation. K.C. could easily stand to add more depth and stability at the running back position this offseason as a result. The Chiefs could very well still draft an exciting running back in April. Though, solidifying the running back depth chart even further now should not be out of the cards.
Even with Elijah Mitchell in the fold, along with Isiah Pacheco returning for his contract season, here are a few more free-agent running backs that make sense for the Chiefs.
Kenneth Gainwell
Similar to Mitchell, Kenneth Gainwell has never been a lead running back during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Yet, Kansas City could easily use a skill set like his. He is a quick-twitched runner who can slice in between tight spaces while also being able to bounce things outside with swift cuts. And, of course, Gainwell can add to the offense via the passing game. The Memphis product has averaged 7.1 yards per reception in his career.
Gainwell’s quickness, versatility, and consistent health would be a nice addition to the Chiefs’ backfield. He can be a change-of-pace option on the ground. And on third down or in the red zone, Gainwell could certainly be utilized in a variety of ways if Andy Reid were to design plays with him. He would also be cheap, as Spotrac lists his projected open market value at $1.6 million per season.
Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle may cost a bit more than any other running back in our list. For example, Spotrac listed his projected open market value at $6.2 million per season. It is easy to see why he could be commanding a higher salary on the open market, however. Dowdle finally got a greater chance to show what he could do in 2024. His performance last year leads to a potentially higher ceiling for him in the next few years, given he can land in the right situation.
Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards last year with Dallas. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry. Interestingly, Dowdle had a fair mix of zone and gap runs in 2024. That could make him a dependable piece on the ground for someone like Kansas City in a multitude of situations.
Jamaal Williams
Jamaal Williams is a bit older than other names we are listing. Though, he is still reliable when he gets the chance to tote the rock. Williams has just five fumbles in eight career seasons. The size and density that he could bring to Kansas City would give them a worthwhile option in between the tackles. Additionally, Williams has averaged a consistent number after contact in each campaign.
Williams has also been in a deep running back rotation throughout other stops in his NFL career. He would not command a huge number of carries if the Chiefs still wanted to lean on Pacheco or a rookie. But in certain situations, there is still enough of a jolt that Williams would provide entering his age-30 season.
AJ Dillon
AJ Dillon is another free-agent running back option that would not break the bank. Spotrac lists his projected open market value at $2 million per season. Dillon may not add the quickness that Kansas City needs in the offense overall. Nonetheless, the former Packers’ ball carrier has turned in consistent production levels the last few years as a secondary option. Dillon has averaged around 728 rushing yards over the last three seasons.
Dillon can break tackles, forcing 34 in his first four seasons. He can find extra, hidden yards in tight areas. He can also power his way forward while utilizing quick one cuts to step around defenders. For a player of his size, his cutting ability is a bit underrated. Dillon could have the chance to bounce back, from an efficiency standpoint, by joining an offense like Kansas City’s.
