The back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have been mentioned as the ideal landing spot for one of the top free agent running backs of the 2024 class.
Two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs and do-it-all workhorse Austin Ekeler round out a deep set of star running backs who are expected to hit the free agent market next month.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen chose the best fit for the top 50 free agents of 2024. Bowen made the case for the Chiefs signing Ekeler to bolster an already prolific offense led by Patrick Mahohes and Travis Kelce:
“With Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon heading to free agency, the Chiefs could sign Ekeler on a short-term deal to work in rotation with Isiah Pacheco. He would give coach Andy Reid a pass-game threat out of 21 personnel with the ability to flex from the backfield. Ekeler caught 51 passes last season with the Chargers and has 440 receptions in his career. Re-signing with the Chargers or joining the Raiders would also be good fits.”
The Chiefs already have a stud starting running back in Isiah Pacheco, who rushed for 935 yards and seven touchdowns this past season despite missing three games. But you can’t have too many weapons in today’s NFL, and a healthy Ekeler could be a giant difference-maker for the defending champions.
Ekeler has racked up 1,000 yards of offense in four of the last five seasons. He led the NFL in total touchdowns during the 2021 and 2022 seasons with 20 and 18, respectively.
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Given his age (29) and the fact he plays a devaluing position, Ekeler likely won’t cost too much in free agency. And if the Chiefs have interest, Ekeler should be keen on joining a team that gives him the best opportunity to win a Super Bowl.
