Chiefs’ running back problem just forced Brett Veach into trade mode

About this same time last summer, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach decided that the "answers" on the 90-man roster weren't going to satisfy the questions he had at positions like tight end and defensive end. In response, he decided to do something about it by trading for outside help before active rosters are due.

It sounds as if Veach is shopping again in 2025.

NFL reporter Dianna Russini has word that the Chiefs are among teams searching for running back help—along with the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.

Brett Veach isn't done worrying about the Chiefs backfield.

These are just rumors, of course, and nothing is certain, but Veach is already in trade-mode after finding some value out of an expiring asset in wide receiver Skyy Moore from the San Francisco 49ers already this preseason.

Believing the Chiefs need backfield help is an easy conclusion given the way the unit has looked so far in preseason play. Isiah Pacheco is healthy, but he comes with injury concerns. Kareem Hunt can be short-yardage help, but he was an aging back last season.

Meanwhile, the players imported to bolster the ba ckfield after the loss of Samaje Perine haven't alleviated concerns about the overall effectiveness of the unit. Elijah Mitchell, in particular, was signed to a one-year deal in hopes that a rebound campaign would raise the ceiling. Instead, he looks like a shell of his 2021 self, which is not a surprise after three injury-plagued seasons.

Seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith holds promise, and he's got more juice than anyone on the roster. However, the late-round rookie has also looked lost at times and will need to gain significant experience on special teams and as a pass protector before he's trusted with anything more than the occasional touch (or return).

The market will be interesting to watch at the position as teams make roster cuts, because this draft class was considered a loaded one. At the very least, the Chiefs are watching and waiting for the right player who might raise the floor for a position that could hold the offense back once again.