Chiefs big winners of free agency with 1 key move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a disastrous 2025 season, most know where the Kansas City Chiefs‘ free agency shopping needs to start.
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And that’s at running back.
Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are free agents, and it’s unclear whether either will return in 2026; even if one does, the Chiefs need a significant upgrade.
But who? The franchise tried to trade for Breece Hall before the trade deadline, but that fell through. Now, though, there’s a host of options for Breet Veach to look at.
And ESPN’s Eric Moody is tipping the Chiefs will raid fellow AFC contender, the Jacksonville Jaguars, for star back Travis Etienne.
“Running back Travis Etienne Jr. will sign with the Chiefs during free agency,” Moody wrote. “Etienne would be intriguing as a proven, versatile back who has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four healthy seasons, including 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
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“His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver (5,136 career all-purpose yards with 32 touchdowns) would boost a Chiefs backfield that averaged less 4.0 yards per carry last season and failed to produce a running back with at least 200 receiving yards.”
More:Ravens’ Lamar Jackson tipped to join illustrious Hall of Fame group in 2026
Is Etienne the answer?
In short, he could be.
Travis has all of the attributes that neither Hunt nor Pacheco has.
The pace, speed, burst, and home run ability. Not to mention his effectiveness as a receiver, either, which will add another element to Kansas City’s passing game with Patrick Mahomes back.
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Kansas City needs someone to take the offensive load off of Patrick’s shoulders, and one way to do it is with a run game, and Etienne as the lead back could give the Chiefs their fear factor back.
Of course, money will be key here, but if the Chiefs are serious about turning this ship around in 2026, money will be no object, and if Etienne is available, they’ll go get him.