In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly set to poach running back Damien Martinez from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad. This bold acquisition could supercharge the Chiefs’ already potent ground game, pairing Martinez’s bruising style with star back Isiah Pacheco to form a dynamic one-two punch.
Who Is Damien Martinez?
Damien Martinez, a rookie out of Oregon State, is no stranger to Chiefs’ GM Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid. Kansas City conducted extensive evaluations on Martinez during the pre-draft process, including a Top-30 visit where he left a strong impression with his skill set and demeanor. Though selected in the seventh round by Seattle, Martinez’s college resume speaks volumes about his potential.
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At Oregon State, Martinez was a standout workhorse. As a true freshman in 2022, he racked up 982 rushing yards at an eye-popping 6.1 yards per carry. In 2023, he elevated his game further, rushing for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. His 2024 season cemented his reputation, with another 1,000-plus-yard campaign and improved pass-catching ability out of the backfield. Martinez’s combination of patience, vision, and physicality after contact made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Despite his draft pedigree, Martinez didn’t make Seattle’s initial 53-man roster due to their depth at running back. However, his placement on the practice squad was more about numbers than a lack of talent. During a preseason matchup against Kansas City in August 2025, Martinez showcased his downhill running style, notably breaking off a 19-yard run behind Seattle’s first-team offensive line. That flash of brilliance wasn’t lost on the Chiefs’ coaching staff.
Why the Chiefs Are Making This Move
The Chiefs’ running back room, led by the electric Isiah Pacheco, is solid but lacks depth with proven playmakers. Andy Reid’s offensive scheme thrives on versatile backs who can handle a variety of roles—rushing, pass protection, and receiving out of the backfield. Martinez checks all these boxes, offering a complementary skill set to Pacheco’s explosive style.
Martinez’s ability to grind out tough yards and his improvement as a pass-catcher make him an ideal fit for Kansas City’s system, where screens and check-downs often turn into chunk plays. Unlike Seattle, where Martinez is buried on the depth chart, Kansas City offers a clearer path to meaningful snaps. With Martinez alongside Pacheco, the Chiefs could create a punishing ground game capable of wearing down defenses and controlling game tempo.
Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity
Signing Martinez off Seattle’s practice squad is a classic Chiefs move—low risk with sky-high upside. NFL rules require Martinez to remain on Kansas City’s active roster for at least three weeks if signed, but there’s no long-term financial commitment. At worst, Martinez provides depth and eats up carries in garbage time. At best, he develops into a legitimate contributor, adding punch to a backfield that’s primed to dominate.
The Chiefs have a storied history of turning undervalued talent into stars, and Martinez fits the mold perfectly. Kansas City’s pre-draft interest, combined with their firsthand look at him in preseason, suggests they see something special in the young back. If Martinez lives up to his college production, this move could be a game-changer for the Chiefs’ pursuit of another Super Bowl.
What’s Next?
As the Chiefs prepare to integrate Martinez into their roster, fans can expect to see him in situational roles early on, potentially spelling Pacheco in short-yardage situations or contributing on special teams. His physical running style and ability to pick up blitzes could earn him a bigger role as the season progresses.
This move underscores Kansas City’s relentless approach to roster-building, always on the hunt for talent that can elevate their already formidable lineup. With Martinez now in the fold, the Chiefs’ ground game just got a lot scarier. Buckle up, NFL—Kansas City is coming for you.