Chiefs eye new All-Pro running mate for Patrick Mahomes amid Travis Kelce’s decline

The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the NFL in recent years, winning three Super Bowls in five seasons, largely due to the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes and his connection with star tight end Travis Kelce. However, with Kelce entering the twilight of his career and showing signs of decline, the Chiefs may need to shift their offensive strategy.

One potential solution? Finding an elite, All-Pro-caliber running back to take some pressure off Mahomes and provide a new dynamic playmaker for the offense.

Kelce’s Decline and Offensive Shifts

Kelce, now 34 years old, has been Mahomes’ most reliable target since the quarterback took over in 2018. However, despite another productive season in 2023, there were noticeable signs of wear. His yards per reception dropped, his separation from defenders decreased, and he had uncharacteristic drops. While he’s still one of the best tight ends in the league, the Chiefs know they can’t rely on him forever.

With Kansas City’s wide receiver group struggling with inconsistency last season, defenses were able to key in on Kelce more than ever. This forced Mahomes into more difficult passing situations, exposing the limitations of an offense that lacked a true game-changing presence outside of Kelce.

The Case for an All-Pro Running Back

To ease the offensive burden on Mahomes, Kansas City could target an elite running back either in free agency or via trade. An All-Pro-caliber back would:

– Take Pressure Off Mahomes – A strong rushing attack would force defenses to respect the ground game, creating more opportunities for Mahomes in the passing game.
– Enhance the Play-Action Game– A dominant rusher would make play-action passes more effective, giving Mahomes cleaner throwing windows.
– provide a Reliable Checkdown Option– With a dynamic backfield weapon, Mahomes would have a dependable short-yardage option when plays break down.

The Chiefs have already shown a willingness to feature their running backs more, with Isiah Pacheco emerging as a tough, hard-nosed runner. However, while Pacheco has been productive, he may not be the game-changing talent needed to take pressure off Mahomes consistently.

Potential Running Back Targets

Kansas City could look at several All-Pro or high-caliber running backs who might be available:

– Derrick Henry (Free Agent)– A proven workhorse who could dominate in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
– Saquon Barkley (Free Agent)– A versatile, explosive playmaker who can contribute as both a runner and receiver.
Josh Jacobs (Free Agent) A physical runner with great vision, who led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022.
– Alvin Kamara (Trade Candidate) – A dynamic dual-threat back who would thrive in Andy Reid’s offense.
– Jonathan Taylor (Potential Trade Target) – If the Colts were open to moving Taylor, he could be a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ high-powered attack.

With Travis Kelce aging and the Chiefs’ offense evolving, finding a new All-Pro running mate for Patrick Mahomes could be the key to maintaining dominance. Whether through free agency, a trade, or even the NFL Draft, Kansas City has a golden opportunity to retool their offense and give Mahomes another elite weapon to work with.

The Chiefs have built a dynasty by adapting and staying ahead of the competition. If they can land a premier running back this offseason, they could be even more dangerous heading into the 2024 season.