Brett Veach Places His Expectations for Kenneth Walker in Chiefs Offense

Running the football was a non-existent feature of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense last season, as Isiah Pacheco and Isiah Pacheco barely surpassed 1,000 rushing yards combined.

This offseason, the Chiefs significantly improved their backfield by signing former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43.05 million contract, which includes $28.7 million guaranteed. Over the last two years, Kansas City has neglected that position, which has led to the lackluster production during that span.

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

While speaking with ESPN's Peter Schrager on Tuesday, general manager Brett Veach previewed how the 25-year-old running back could be utilized in Kansas City's offense.

Veach's Thoughts

Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

“The ability to dominate in between the tackles, but yet also have that burst and acceleration to hit big plays from anywhere on the field,” Veach said. “I think his pass game is an underappreciated skillset, catching and blocking.”

In addition to being extremely explosive, Walker III is also a patient runner, which is a perfect match with the Chiefs' interior offensive line. Far too many times last season, Pacheco and Hunt either failed to recognize the open gaps or, in Hunt's case, were too slow to hit the hole before it clogged up. Walker III will be able to achieve what neither of those players couldn't.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) celebrate a touchdown carry by running back Kareem Hunt (29) (center) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“Having (center) Creed Humphrey in the middle, (guard) Trey Smith and Kingsley (guard Kingsley Suamataia), having those road-grating offensive linemen, just having that mentality to go out there and enforce our will on the opposing defense," Veach continued. "Having a running back that can carry the load, that can do it all, run with power, run with speed, run with instincts and finesse. There wasn’t a lot not to like about Kenneth Walker. I’ve been a big fan of his since his days at Michigan State. I’m excited to see what he can add to this offense, and make us more explosive.”

Overall Thoughts

Nov 2, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) converts a fourth down as Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) reaches to defend at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Yes, the Chiefs paid a high price for the 2022 second-round pick's services, but the team should reap the benefits from a formidable rushing attack. Not only will Walker III alleviate pressure off Patrick Mahomes' shoulders, which will need to be the case with the 30-year-old quarterback returning from a torn ACL, but he will also open up the rest of the offense.

Over the last few seasons, defenses have been able to sit both safeties 15-20 yards from the line of scrimmage, as Pacheco and Hunt did not pose as significant threats on the ground. Those safeties will have to creep much closer if opposing defenses do not want to be continually gashed by Kansas City's rushing attack. Additionally, it will create opportunities for play-action in the intermediate parts of the field, over the second level of the defense, with linebackers closer to the defensive line.