The Alarming Truth Behind Pacheco’s Postseason Slump – Is His Chiefs Future in Jeopardy?

Once hailed as a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, running back Isiah Pacheco now faces a pivotal juncture in his career. Entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, Pacheco’s recent performance downturn and injury history have cast doubts on his long-term role with the team.

A Promising Start Derailed by Injuries

Drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Pacheco quickly outperformed expectations, amassing 830 rushing yards in his rookie season and 935 yards in 2023, contributing significantly to the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories. However, the 2024 season marked a stark contrast. A fractured fibula sustained in Week 2 sidelined him for a substantial portion of the season, limiting him to just seven games and 310 rushing yards .

Postseason Performance Raises Concerns

Pacheco’s return in the latter part of the season failed to reignite his earlier form. In Super Bowl LIX, he managed only 7 rushing yards on three carries, a performance that paled in comparison to his previous postseason contributions . This decline has prompted questions about his ability to regain his pre-injury prowess.

Increased Competition in the Backfield

The Chiefs’ offseason moves suggest a reevaluation of their running back depth chart. The return of veteran Kareem Hunt and the acquisition of rookie Brashard Smith, known for his versatility and receiving skills, indicate a strategic shift. Smith’s dynamic playstyle, reminiscent of Pacheco’s early career, adds pressure on the incumbent to reassert his dominance .

Contractual Uncertainty Looms

Financial considerations further complicate Pacheco’s situation. With a 2025 salary cap charge of $1.12 million, the Chiefs are cautious about extending his contract without evidence of a full recovery and consistent performance . Reports indicate that head coach Andy Reid is hesitant to discuss an extension until Pacheco demonstrates a return to form .

A Crucial Season Ahead

As the 2025 season approaches, Pacheco stands at a crossroads. His resilience and past achievements underscore his potential, but the combination of recent injuries, emerging competition, and contractual ambiguity make this a defining year. To secure his future with the Chiefs, Pacheco must not only stay healthy but also recapture the explosive performance that once made him indispensable.

The upcoming season will reveal whether Pacheco can overcome these challenges and reaffirm his place in Kansas City’s offensive arsenal.