The Kansas City Chiefs are going to look much different offensively in 2023 than they did in 2022. Not only did offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy depart, accepting the same position as the Washington Commanders, but their personnel is going to change once again.
Last offseason, the Chiefs revamped the weapons around Patrick Mahomes in the passing game. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling were both signed in free agency. A second-round pick was used on Skyy Moore and the team acquired Kadarius Toney from the New York Giants in a trade.
With Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman moving on in free agency, the Chiefs game plan will adjust again. While the passing game will be funneled through star tight end Travis Kelce, others will have to step up. Moore, Toney, 2022 undrafted free agent Justyn Ross and 2023 second-round pick Rashee Rice will be counted on to fill the voids.
A lot of the focus has been on the pass catchers this offseason, but the backfield could use some attention as well. Isiah Pacheco came out of nowhere as a seventh-round rookie last season and the team was able to re-sign Jerick McKinnon this offseason.
But, David Latham of Last Word on Sports believes the Chiefs would benefit from adding another weapon to their backfield. He has suggested Michael Carter of the New York Jets as a potential addition.
“The reigning Super Bowl champions have Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, so they’re always going to be the team to beat in the NFL. However, they could use some serious help at running back. Isiah Pacheco is a fine early-down running back, but he doesn’t offer much of anything in the receiving game. Jerick McKinnon had a solid season last year, but he’s entering his age-31 season and isn’t exactly a spring chicken. Michael Carter has hauled in 77 receptions over the past two seasons, and with two years left on his rookie contract, could be Kansas City’s long-term answer as a receiving back.”
Carter looks like he could be the odd man out in New York. The team signed Dalvin Cook and recently activated Breece Hall from the Physically Unable To Play list. In addition, they used a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Israel Abanikanda out of Pittsburgh and Zonovan Knight remains on the roster as well.
Something has to give, as the Jets will not be keeping all five of them. If Carter is the player that is on the move, the Chiefs could look to swoop in and bolster their own running back situation. Adding another young playmaker to the mix certainly wouldn’t hurt a Chiefs team looking to make another deep playoff run.
