March 23, 2026, 1:21 p.m. ET

The Kansas City Chiefs may have just made one of the more impactful moves of the offseason, and at least one respected NFL writer believes the ripple effects could be massive, much like they were when the Baltimore Ravens made a similar signing. Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning Quarterback staff shared its opinions on its favorite moves of the offseason. Two of the five, Michael Fabiano and Albert Breer, cast their lot for Kansas City’s Kenneth Walker acquisition. Breer believes the move is so significant that it mirrors Baltimore and the Philadelphia Eagles’ additions of Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley, respectively.

Barkley originally signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal. He rushed for 2,000 yards and won the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award en route to his assistance in leading the Eagles to their second Super Bowl win. Henry would have won the league’s rushing title if not for Barkley’s efforts. He finished 79 yards shy of joining the 2,000-yard club for the second time in his career. Breer likening the Chiefs’ Walker agreement to those two is high praise, but it’s not without merit. Walker brings explosiveness, vision, and the ability to change a game with one touch. Those are traits that can elevate an already dangerous offense. For a Chiefs team led by Patrick Mahomes, adding a legitimate ground threat could create even more balance, forcing defenses to pick their poison.

Trust the knowledge that the Ravens will keep an eye on the Chiefs all season.

If Walker finds his rhythm in Kansas City’s system, it could open up the entire playbook in ways we haven’t consistently seen in recent seasons. Trust and believe the Ravens will keep an eye on them all season. The comparison to Henry’s impact in Baltimore is particularly interesting. When the Ravens added a physical, downhill presence to pair with Lamar Jackson, it gave their offense a different dimension. It complemented their identity while making them even harder to defend.

Breer’s suggestion is that Walker could provide a similar spark, albeit with a different style, for Kansas City. That’s where this becomes especially relevant for Baltimore. If the Chiefs do unlock another level offensively, they immediately become an even more formidable obstacle in the AFC. Both franchises are firmly in the contender tier, chasing the same ultimate goal, and small upgrades can make a massive difference when postseason matchups are decided by the slimmest of margins in a conference loaded with elite talent. Moves like this aren’t just about improvement. They’re about positioning. If Breer’s comparison proves accurate, the Chiefs didn’t just add a running back. They may have reshaped the balance of power in the AFC.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.