The Kansas City Chiefs have had a productive 2025 offseason, fortifying their offensive line and welcoming a promising draft class that has fans buzzing with excitement. However, as the final roster cuts loom next week, even a team as well-constructed as the Chiefs must face tough decisions. One glaring issue has emerged in the crowded running back room, where an abundance of talent has left the team with a surplus of options. With Isiah Pacheco back to full health, Kareem Hunt proving he still has plenty left in the tank, and the unexpected rise of rookie Brashard Smith, the Chiefs are poised to make a surprising move that will send shockwaves through the roster.
The Elijah Mitchell Dilemma
Veteran running back Elijah Mitchell, signed as a precautionary depth piece, now finds himself as the odd man out. Initially, bringing Mitchell on board seemed like a shrewd move. Pacheco was coming off a challenging end to the 2024 season, and Hunt, while still productive, is no longer the explosive playmaker he was during his first stint with Kansas City. Mitchell, a former San Francisco 49ers standout, appeared to be a smart insurance policy—a reliable veteran who could step in if either Pacheco or Hunt faltered.
However, the calculus has shifted dramatically. Pacheco has returned to form, showcasing the burst and physicality that made him a fan favorite. Hunt, defying expectations, has looked rejuvenated in camp, proving he can still handle a significant workload. Most surprisingly, undrafted rookie Brashard Smith has turned heads with his speed, vision, and versatility, carving out a role that few saw coming. With these three backs solidifying their spots, Mitchell’s path to the 53-man roster has all but disappeared.
A Shocking Cut Looms
Barring an unlikely trade, Mitchell is the most probable candidate to be released as the Chiefs trim their roster. While the team could explore trade options for the veteran, his lack of recent production makes a deal challenging. Mitchell has not been a consistent contributor since his rookie season in 2021 with the 49ers, and he missed the entire 2024 campaign, further diminishing his trade value. The Chiefs’ decision to sign him was rooted in caution, but with their backfield now overflowing with talent, retaining Mitchell would be a luxury they can’t afford.
This move, while logical, is still a stunner given the optimism surrounding Mitchell’s signing. The Chiefs envisioned him as a potential change-of-pace back or injury replacement, but the emergence of Smith has rendered him expendable. Kansas City’s front office has a reputation for making ruthless decisions in pursuit of the best possible roster, and Mitchell appears to be the biggest casualty of this approach in 2025.
What’s Next for Mitchell?
While being cut by the Chiefs is a setback, Mitchell’s career is far from over. At 27 years old, the veteran still offers value as a depth running back. His experience, physical running style, and ability to handle a complementary role make him an attractive option for teams needing backfield help. Whether as a No. 2 or No. 3 back, Mitchell is likely to land on his feet elsewhere in the NFL. Teams with injury concerns or thin running back rooms could view him as a low-risk, high-reward addition.
The Chiefs’ Backfield of the Future
For Kansas City, this roster purge underscores the strength of their running back group. Pacheco remains the lead back, bringing a relentless, downhill running style that wears down defenses. Hunt, though not the explosive playmaker of his youth, provides veteran savvy and consistent production. Meanwhile, Smith’s emergence adds a dynamic, youthful element to the backfield, giving the Chiefs a versatile weapon for years to come.
The decision to part ways with Mitchell is a testament to the Chiefs’ depth and their commitment to fielding the strongest possible roster. While it’s unfortunate for Mitchell, it’s a sign of Kansas City’s ruthless efficiency as they prepare for another Super Bowl push. As the regular season approaches, the Chiefs’ backfield looks poised to be a strength, even if it means saying goodbye to a talented veteran before the games begin.