Former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday after NFL Network first reported the news.
Pacheco, who turned 27 in March, was 147th in The Athletic’s ranking of top free agents and was the No. 12 running back.
A seventh-round pick by the Chiefs in 2022, Pacheco quickly emerged as the team’s starter. He was K.C.’s top rusher for a pair of Super Bowl-winning teams in 2022 (830 yards) and 2023 (935) before injuries hampered him the last two seasons.
NFL’s Next Gen Stats provides some evidence. In 2023, Pacheco hit 15 mph or more on 29 of his 205 carries. During the next two years combined, he had just 15 15-mph spurts — all on an almost identical number of rushing attempts (201).
Pacheco’s violent running style led to a variety of ailments. Early in 2024, he missed half the season with a broken fibula, then battled through a rib injury upon his return. Last season, Pacheco suffered a right knee injury in Week 8, missing a month before rejoining the team in late November.
Pacheco’s once-vaunted speed hasn’t helped him create big runs lately. Pacheco ranked fourth-worst among 49 qualified running backs in explosive run percentage (12 yards or more) last season, and he was also one of only four rushers with 100 carries who failed to break free for a 20-plus-yard gain.
A New Jersey native who played collegiately at Rutgers, Pacheco is an energy-giver as a teammate and has never been afraid to take on contact. But he also doesn’t elude tackles well and hasn’t established himself yet as a reliable receiver.
How he fits
Pacheco has become a well-known name in the league because of his fierce and violent running style — almost as if he’s galloping. He fits the mold of a Dan Campbell running back, and his ability to pick up yards after contact will be valued here. His game fits a gap-based, downhill scheme the Lions seem to be moving toward under Drew Petzing. His skills complement Jahmyr Gibbs’ well, making it easy to see the vision on paper.
Roster impact
The Lions were in need of a physical running back to replace David Montgomery. They believe they’ve found one in Pacheco. Though he isn’t the complete back Montgomery was — his vision and wiggle leave a bit to be desired — he can pick up tough yards and handle some of the goal-line work Montgomery was known for. He offers insurance at the RB position on a one-year deal, so the Lions don’t need a running back in the draft (though they could still target one). Pacheco has been limited to just 20 total games over the last two seasons — most recently dealing with an MCL sprain in his right knee last year.
