The Kansas City Chiefs, perennial AFC powerhouses, are known for their high-octane, pass-heavy offense led by Patrick Mahomes and orchestrated by Andy Reid. However, just a month into the 2025-26 NFL season, it’s evident that their running back room is a glaring weakness. The duo of Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco has struggled to deliver, and rookie Brashard Smith’s potential remains unproven. With the Chiefs ranking No. 4 in EPA/rush (per SumerSports), largely due to Mahomes’ scrambling ability, the team’s ground game lacks the punch needed to maintain offensive balance. Enter Rico Dowdle, a former 1,000-yard rusher and the Chiefs’ potential trade target before the November trade deadline—a move that could send shockwaves through the AFC.
The Chiefs’ Rushing Woes: A Clear Need for Change
Kansas City’s offense, despite its No. 2 ranking in pass rate over expected, is crying out for a more effective rushing attack. Hunt’s 7.1% breakaway run rate last season ranked dead last among running backs with 80 or more carries, while Pacheco’s 11% wasn’t much better, placing him 47th. Together, they managed just 14 runs of 20-plus yards, contributing to the Chiefs’ league-worst 4.8% explosive run rate since last season, per NFL Pro data. This lack of dynamism in the backfield has forced Mahomes to shoulder even more of the offensive load, a strategy that, while effective, limits the team’s versatility.
Rookie Brashard Smith shows promise, but his emergence is still in “wait-and-see” mode. Without a reliable running game, the Chiefs risk becoming one-dimensional, a dangerous proposition in the ultra-competitive AFC. Andy Reid’s teams have always leaned heavily on the pass, but even Reid knows balance is key to sustaining success deep into the playoffs.
Rico Dowdle: The Unexpected Solution
On September 29, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox identified the Chiefs as a prime trade suitor for Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, a 27-year-old veteran coming off a career year. Dowdle, who signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with Carolina this offseason, has been underutilized in a 1-3 Panthers squad that appears headed for another lost season. With just 28 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown through four games, Dowdle’s 3.1 yards per touch and 1.2 yards per contact after attempt mark career lows, suggesting he’s not being used to his full potential.
However, Dowdle’s 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys tells a different story. As a starter, he racked up 1,079 rushing yards, averaging a career-high 4.6 yards per carry. He also caught 39 passes for 249 yards, posting a 4.8 yards per touch and a 15.8% breakaway run rate, per Pro Football Focus. With 26 carries of 10 or more yards, Dowdle proved he could be a dynamic, explosive playmaker—exactly what the Chiefs’ backfield lacks.
Knox projects Dowdle’s trade value at a mere 2026 conditional seventh-round pick, making him a low-risk, high-reward option for Kansas City. At 27, with a relatively clean injury history aside from a fractured hip in 2021, Dowdle could be a cost-effective upgrade over Hunt and Pacheco.
Why Dowdle Could Transform Kansas City’s Offense
If Dowdle can recapture even a fraction of his 2024 form, he’d be a significant boost for the Chiefs. His ability to break off big runs and contribute as a pass-catcher out of the backfield aligns perfectly with Reid’s offensive philosophy. Unlike Hunt and Pacheco, who have struggled to generate explosive plays, Dowdle’s 15.8% breakaway run rate and 26 runs of 10-plus yards last season would add a new dimension to Kansas City’s ground game.
Moreover, Dowdle’s versatility as a receiver makes him an ideal fit for Mahomes, who thrives when surrounded by multifaceted weapons. At a $1.2 million base salary, Dowdle represents a bargain for a team looking to bolster its roster without breaking the bank. His addition could reduce the pressure on Mahomes to scramble, allowing the Chiefs to diversify their attack and keep defenses guessing.
The AFC Should Be Worried
The Chiefs are already a formidable force, but their lack of a consistent running game has been a rare vulnerability. Acquiring Dowdle could change that narrative overnight. A balanced Kansas City offense, with Mahomes slinging passes to Travis Kelce and company while Dowdle churns out chunk plays on the ground, would be a nightmare for AFC defenses. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals, already wary of the Chiefs’ passing prowess, would face an even tougher challenge against a more complete offense.
Dowdle isn’t the only name linked to Kansas City—New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara was floated as a potential target days before Knox’s report—but his low trade cost and proven production make him an intriguing fit. If the Chiefs pull off this move, it could be a quiet yet game-changing acquisition that tilts the AFC landscape in their favor.
The Road Ahead
The Chiefs have until the November trade deadline to make a move, and Dowdle’s availability at a bargain price makes him an attractive option. Whether Kansas City opts for an external addition like Dowdle or banks on internal improvement from Smith, one thing is clear: the status quo isn’t good enough. Andy Reid and Brett Veach have a history of making bold moves to keep the Chiefs atop the AFC, and targeting a 1,000-yard rusher like Dowdle signals their intent to stay ahead of the pack.
As the Chiefs quietly plot their next move, the rest of the AFC should take notice. A revitalized running game could be the final piece of the puzzle for a team already on the cusp of another Super Bowl run. If Dowdle delivers, Kansas City’s rivals will have every reason to be running scared.