The Kansas City Chiefs know one thing after last season: the ground game simply wasn’t good enough. Now, just as they begin searching for answers, a sneaky free-agency target who could’ve quietly transformed Andy Reid’s offense has suddenly disappeared from the market.
The Quiet RB Target the Chiefs Just Lost — And Why It Matters More Than It Seems
The Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason with a glaring weakness that even their high-powered offense couldn’t hide: the run game. After finishing the season 25th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (106.6), Kansas City clearly needs reinforcements in the backfield.
But the problem is quickly becoming more complicated.
Both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are set to hit free agency, leaving the Chiefs potentially heading into next season with a completely reshaped running back room. Normally, that wouldn’t be a disaster—free agency often provides several intriguing options. However, this year’s market is already thinning faster than expected.
Many of the league’s most attractive running back options have already signed extensions or been scooped up by other teams, leaving Kansas City scrambling for alternatives.
And now, another intriguing possibility has officially vanished.
Chris Brooks Re-Signs With Green Bay
One of the most under-the-radar candidates who could’ve quietly fit into Andy Reid’s versatile offensive system was Chris Brooks.
The Green Bay Packers running back just re-signed on a two-year, $4.85 million deal, according to One West Sports Group, effectively taking him off the free-agent board before the Chiefs ever had the chance to make a move.
On the surface, Brooks might not look like a headline signing. He wasn’t the Packers’ primary runner, nor did he post massive numbers.
But for Kansas City’s offensive philosophy, he might have been a perfect complementary piece.
A Hidden Skill Set That Fit Andy Reid’s System
Brooks quietly showed flashes of potential during the 2025 season. In limited opportunities, the three-year veteran recorded 106 rushing yards on 27 carries, while adding 13 receptions for 91 receiving yards.
Those numbers might not jump off the page—but they reveal something Reid values deeply: versatility.
Brooks proved capable as a third-down option, someone who can catch passes out of the backfield and help keep the offense unpredictable.
Even more impressive was his work away from the ball.
He became a key contributor on special teams, finishing fourth on the Packers with nine special teams tackles, earning a 79.9 special teams grade from Pro Football Focus.
That kind of multi-phase impact is exactly the type of player contenders love adding quietly.
And Brooks also showed a strength that many running backs struggle with—pass protection. On 35 pass-blocking snaps, he earned a 70.8 pass-block grade, making him a reliable protector in passing situations.
For a Chiefs offense built around Patrick Mahomes, that skill is incredibly valuable.
Why Brooks Chose Green Bay Instead
Instead of testing the market, Brooks opted for stability.
Returning to Green Bay could provide him with a larger role behind star running back Josh Jacobs, especially with Emanuel Wilson hitting free agency and MarShawn Lloyd battling recurring injuries.
In other words, Brooks may have a clearer path to meaningful snaps in Green Bay than he would have had in Kansas City.
Still, from the Chiefs’ perspective, it’s a missed opportunity.
At less than $5 million over two years, Brooks represented a low-risk, high-upside addition who could contribute as a backup, third-down option, pass protector, and special teams player.
Chiefs Still Have Options — But the Clock Is Ticking
Even with Brooks off the board, the Chiefs still have a few intriguing free-agent targets to consider.
Two names that could realistically fit Kansas City’s budget and offensive style are Kenneth Gainwell and Rachaad White.
Gainwell, who recently played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is coming off arguably his best season. He posted career highs with 73 receptions and 486 receiving yards, proving himself as a reliable third-down weapon.
Spotrac projects him to command a two-year contract worth roughly $5.92 million, which would still fall within Kansas City’s financial comfort zone.
Meanwhile, Rachaad White also offers solid production as a complementary back. Last season he logged 572 rushing yards on 132 carries, while adding 40 catches for 218 receiving yards.
While White may not bring the same upside as some bigger names, his projected $3 million annual salary makes him an affordable and dependable option.
A Critical Offseason Decision Ahead
The Chiefs may have missed out on Chris Brooks, but the urgency to fix their running game remains.
With free agency approaching quickly and viable options disappearing one by one, Kansas City must move fast if they want to rebuild a backfield capable of supporting Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid’s explosive offense.
Because if the Chiefs learned anything last season, it’s this:
Even the most dangerous passing attack in football can’t carry the entire offense forever.
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