However, the Chiefs had other ideas for the running back room, as they opened up their wallet and signed Kenneth Walker III to a huge three-year, $43.05 million contract. In addition to Walker, Kansas City also signed Emari Demercado to a one-year deal, who could be the Chiefs\u2019 RB2 if Brashard Smith doesn\u2019t take that next step<\/a>. Smith is the lone returning running back from KC\u2019s 53-man roster, as Hunt, Pacheco, and Dameon Pierce are all free agents.<\/p>\n Below, we\u2019ll break down the Chiefs\u2019 current running back depth chart, how we think things could shake out, and if Kansas City needs to make another addition in free agency or the draft.<\/p>\n Early Chiefs RB Room Projections RB1 \u2014 Kenneth Walker III <\/p>\n Walker immediately steps in as the unquestioned RB1 and an upgrade over Pacheco and Hunt, which should give the Chiefs\u2019 rushing attack more juice and explosiveness. Walker had a fantastic 2025 season. He helped lead the Seahawks to win Super Bowl 60 and was named Super Bowl MVP.<\/p>\n Last season with the Seahawks, Walker crossed the 1,000-yard threshold (1,027) for only the second time in his career and scored five rushing touchdowns. In addition to his work on the ground, Walker was a playmaker as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Walker recorded 31 receptions (36 targets) for 282 yards.<\/p>\n Over his last three seasons with the Seahawks, the veteran running back has had at least 200 receiving yards. The Chiefs will love adding Walker\u2019s playmaking to the offense, as they had to depend on Pacheco and Hunt to do the job of one player.<\/p>\n With Patrick Mahomes<\/a> working his way back from a season-ending knee injury, having a lead back like Walker will take a lot of pressure off the superstar QB and hopefully make the Chiefs\u2019 offense that much more unpredictable.<\/p>\n RB2\/3 \u2013 Emari Demercado\/Brashard Smith Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n The 27-year-old Demercado isn\u2019t a household name as he\u2019s spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. However, he gives Kansas City another versatile running back, who also has some speed.<\/p>\n Coming out of TCU, Demercado ran a 4.4 40-yard dash, which is good for a running back at his size (5-foot-9, 215 pounds). He went undrafted following the 2023 draft, but has carved out a niche for himself as a change-of-pace option out of the backfield.<\/p>\n Demercado has averaged 58.7 touches and 381 scrimmage yards per season. Last year with the Cardinals, he had his best season running the ball with 312 yards on 44 carries (7.1 yards per carry). Arizona needed it due to the litany of injuries they\u2019ve dealt with. He also found a way to be involved in the passing game, accumulating 13 receptions (20 targets) for 101 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n![\"sas](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kna5mm0fgb6xksd5cd.jpg\" "\\"sas")
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