While the Kansas City Chiefs have enjoyed a strong 2026 offseason, it has to be noted that with every clear improvement comes a demotion. This has been the case for rusher Brashard Smith, who has gone from a clear secondary option to having every reason to wonder just how much security he has moving forward. Smith’s roster spot is a lot less sure after a rookie minicamp where Emmett Johnson stood out and made it clear he is the favorite to be the second option in the KC backfield.

This potential fall on the depth chart also comes after star back Kenneth Walker III signed with the team, and is likely going to garner 15-20 carries each week in the early part of the 2026 season. Smith has very quickly been relegated to fighting for the third role and could easily face another demotion if the Chiefs opt to bring back a familiar face or upgrade the position.

Kareem Hunt remains a free agent and has proven to be elite when it comes to converting short-yardage opportunities. There is still a chance Hunt is brought back and is expected to fill a lesser role, bumping Smith off the roster completely. Regardless of whether or not this is the case, minicamp served as a warning for Smith.

The rusher is coming off an incredibly underwhelming debut season, offering less than four yards per carry while being given 44 carries. This is a large enough sample size for the Chiefs to turn the page if the rusher doesn’t have a standout camp and preseason.

Chiefs’ rookie has put Brashard Smith under fire heading into training camp and preseason

Walker is clearly untouchable as the team’s starter, while Johnson’s hot start with the franchise has made it clear he is highly thought of within the organization. This leaves very little room for error from Smith and makes it clear that even if he manages to make the team’s roster, it is going to be difficult to earn carries.

Barring injury to the position, there simply isn’t a reason for the Chiefs to utilize Smith consistently when they appear to have better options. Rookie minicamp isn’t a large sample size, but Johnson’s college history and clear fit within Andy Reid’s offense both play roles in setting up a difficult road for Smith as well.

The 23-year-old is going to need to understand this and put together a camp and preseason performance that cannot be ignored. Any other result will have his roster spot in jeopardy and could force the Chiefs to move on after just one season.

As harsh as this might seem, it’s the standard of a team looking to breathe life back into a dynasty that took a year off with Smith in a supporting role. There simply isn’t a strong case to bring the rusher back, as it continues to grow clear that the team has superior options.