Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

Chiefs Make RB Decision Two Days After NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 7:08 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs missed the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2014, snapping a 10-year run that included three Super Bowl wins in five appearances. Kansas City finished 6-11 after a Week 18 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, marking the only losing season of Andy Reid’s tenure with the team.

While Mahomes continued to carry the offense before tearing his ACL, the Chiefs’ running game struggled. Led by running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, Kansas City averaged just 106.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 25th in the NFL.

Hunt led the Chiefs’ rushing attack with 163 carries for 611 yards and eight touchdowns. Pacheco, who only appeared in 13 games because of an MCL sprain, added 118 carries for 462 yards and one touchdown. Still, Kansas City entered the offseason feeling the need to add a new running back.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running back Isiah Pacheco during an NFL gameJay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

ShunDerrick Powell, the 5-foot-9 running back from Hoxie, Arkansas, spent his four-year college career in the FCS with the North Alabama Lions and the Central Arkansas Bears. He became a first-team All-American in 2024 after recording 164 carries for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding another 318 yards and three scores on the ground.

Powell went undrafted in 2025 before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. His stint in Philadelphia was short-lived, as he was released during the team’s final roster cuts and did not land with another team for the remainder of the season.

But the Chiefs have decided to give Powell another shot, and on Tuesday, they signed the running back to a reserve/future deal. Along with Powell, Kansas City also added former Arkansas wide receiver Andrew Armstrong.

"Chiefs sign Andrew Armstrong, ShunDerrick Powell to reserve future deals," KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson wrote on X.

#Chiefs sign Andrew Armstrong, ShunDerrick Powell to reserve future deals
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 6, 2026

The Chiefs face a major question at running back entering the offseason. Pacheco’s four-year, $3,739,108 contract is set to expire, while Hunt’s one-year deal has also ended, making both players unrestricted free agents.

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

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