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Andy Reid, Chiefs Dealt Disappointing News on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 1:10 PM ET

Andy Reid endured the worst season of his 13-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, finishing 6-11 after a six-game losing streak. The Chiefs also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in December, putting the start of the 2026 season in jeopardy.

While Kansas City faced numerous challenges during the 2025 season, the running game was one of its weakest spots. The Chiefs finished the year averaging 106.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 25th overall in the NFL. Running back Kareem Hunt led the way for Reid's offense with 163 carries for 611 yards and eight touchdowns, while Isiah Pacheco added 118 carries for 462 yards and a score.

Now, both Hunt and Pacheco are set to see their contracts expire after the 2025 season, leaving the Chiefs’ future at the position uncertain. The possibility of selecting Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft has been floated, though it remains unclear whether he will be available. But on Tuesday, Kansas City also lost another running back.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrate after a touchdownAmy Kontras-Imagn Images

Carson Steele had a solid college career with the Ball State Cardinals and UCLA Bruins, tallying 648 carries for 3,294 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons. The running back and fullback hybrid went undrafted in 2024 before the Chiefs picked him up as an unrestricted free agent.

Steele earned a prominent role in Kansas City during his rookie season, becoming the starting fullback and appearing in all 17 regular-season games. He recorded 56 carries for 183 yards, adding seven catches for another 26 yards through the air. But in 2025, he didn't appear in a single game, spending the majority of the season on the practice squad.

On Monday, it was revealed that six Chiefs players saw their practice squad contracts expire, including Steele and fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. And Kansas City didn't get a chance to retain him as Steele signed a future/reserve contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday.

"Former Chiefs RB Carson Steele is signing a futures deal with the Eagles, per his agent @RandyMFisher," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero wrote on X.

Former Chiefs RB Carson Steele is signing a futures deal with the Eagles, per his agent @RandyMFisher. pic.twitter.com/dnbCgZF84q
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 13, 2026

The Chiefs will likely continue an offseason full of change following Steele's departure, with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy likely on his way out as well. Even tight end Travis Kelce could have played his final NFL game, pondering retirement after his 13th season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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