Chiefs' 'Under The Radar' Free Agency Signing Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 11:34 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason plans have been dominated by fixing Patrick Mahomes' offensive line.

After getting sacked a career-high 36 times in 2024, coupled with another 11 in the postseason, it is easy to see why upgrading Mahomes' protection is job No. 1.

But the Chiefs also made other moves after signing left tackle Jaylon Moore, with one being San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell.

Having rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season, Mitchell fought injuries in the next two years, and he missed all of 2024 with a hamstring injury.

However, if he can return to the explosive back we saw with the 49ers, then the Chiefs' run game could be cooking. As such, ESPN's Adam Teicher has named Mitchell's signing as Kansas City's under-the-radar move of the offseason.

"The addition of Mitchell didn't cost the Chiefs much (a little over $2 million on a one-year deal) and if he's healthy, he gives the the team speed out of the backfield," Teicher writes. "That's been hard to find for Kansas City lately, as it lacked a breakaway threat at running back last season. Mitchell offers a nice contrast to Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs' other top backs."

The Chiefs did lack explosiveness out of the backfield last season, and they ranked 26th for yards per game in 2024 (101.2).

Adding Mitchell, while yes, he's missed a full year, could give the Chiefs a genuine home-run threat, something they haven't had. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are both bruising power backs, but Mitchell can hit his head on the goalpost on any given play.

Of course, seeing how fit he is after his injury will be key, as will getting through training camp, but Mitchell has the potential to be a potent weapon for Andy Reid's offense.

And if he is, he won't be under the radar for too much longer.

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

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