Combine Update: What’s Happening With Chiefs and Why It Matters

Mahomes plus workhorse equals...

Ironically, in order for Hunt to get back on that stage with Goodell, one of the best paths is to combine Mahomes with an explosive workhorse like Barkley.

Barkley’s under contract with the Eagles, but the Chiefs need a running back, and everyone knows it – especially general manager Brett Veach. Asked Tuesday how the team can best help Mahomes in 2026, Veach revealed this.

“Well, I think certainly we want to get more explosive in the running game,” he said. “And we've invested in that interior, in Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey. I mean, two of the best in the league.”

He also mentioned right guard Kingsley Suamataia making a big step in his transition from tackle. And capitalizing a strong interior offensive line by complementing it with a much better running attack is clearly a top priority.

Good timing

The Chiefs picked a great time to need a running back. And that’s one item they’re solidifying this week at the combine, whether to meet that need in the draft or free agency. Meeting and evaluating draft prospects such as Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, the Chiefs are also scenario planning in Indianapolis.

Should Love get drafted before the Chiefs are on the clock at No. 9, or should the Chiefs opt to meet arguably a more glaring need by drafting the best available edge rusher, free agency looks attractive with regard to the offensive backfield.

Travis Etienne, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachaad White and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker are all available once unrestricted free agency begins March 9.

“So, I think, and we've talked about it, and Coach has done an amazing job with his staff cranking on that scheme eval, but I think being more explosive in the running game.

“And really taking advantage of those interior three to kind of impose your will on an opposing team's defense. But in the running game, it takes a lot of pressure off everybody. So, I think if we can be more explosive and more effective in the running game, I think obviously we take a lot of pressure off Pat, especially coming back early in the season with the injury.”

Chiefs Kingdom, the scouting combine is winding down this weekend, but it’s not too late to combine the best analysis with the best Chiefs news. Be sure to sign up for a FREE newsletter with fresh info emailed each morning … SIGN UP HERE NOW.