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The Kansas City Chiefs continue searching for help at running back as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Kansas City currently has just two running backs under contract for next year: Brashard Smith and ShunDerrick Powell. That limited depth has made the position a clear priority as free agency approaches.
The NFL’s legal tampering period begins Monday, and the Chiefs have already made several roster moves to improve their salary cap flexibility. The team restructured quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract and released defensive end Mike Danna and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor.
Those moves created additional financial flexibility as Kansas City looks to add impact players this offseason.
Running back remains one of the team’s biggest needs before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Breece Hall Trade Could Still Be an Option for Chiefs
The Chiefs previously explored a trade for New York Jets running back Breece Hall during the 2025 season.
Kansas City showed interest in acquiring Hall but only offered a fourth-round draft pick. The Jets reportedly sought a third-round pick, and the teams were unable to reach an agreement.
That one-round difference ultimately prevented the trade from happening.
New York general manager Darren Mougey maintained his asking price during negotiations with Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. At the time, Hall was considered one of the few desirable trade assets for the struggling Jets.
The Jets placed the franchise tag on Hall before the NFL’s tag deadline, a move first reported by ESPN insider Adam Schefter. The tag gives New York control of the running back for another season at a salary expected to exceed $14 million.
Kansas City could revisit the opportunity after previously declining to meet New York’s asking price over mid-round draft compensation. With the Jets placing the franchise tag on Hall, he could become a trade candidate either before the season or at the midseason deadline.
If the Chiefs were able to acquire him, they could pursue a long-term extension and potentially use the No. 9 overall pick in the draft to address another premium position.
Kansas City Has Several Running Back Options in Free Agency
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The Jets’ decision to franchise tag Hall ensures that the team retains control over the star running back for at least one more season.
Hall had previously been mentioned in trade discussions because he was entering the final year of his contract.
Hall finished the season expressing frustration with his situation in New York, adding another layer to speculation about his long-term future with the team.
While Hall remains under contract with the Jets, Kansas City could pursue several other running backs in free agency.
Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer noted that Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III could become one of the top available players at the position.
“(Breece Hall’s) tag also helps to further define the running back market,” Breer said.
“It leaves Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III alone as the top back on the market, and Walker will probably wind up getting somewhere between $12 million and $16 million per season, from a team like the Seahawks, Broncos or Chiefs.”
Breer also pointed to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. as another notable option.
“It also makes Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. the clear-cut No. 2 guy on the market, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Etienne pulls down $10 million per year,” Breer added.
Other potential free agents include Tyler Allgeier, Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle, and Antonio Gibson.
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