Regardless of whether or not they pull off the "three-peat," the Kansas City Chiefs are firmly entrenched as one of the NFL's elites.
With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the Chiefs will always rank among the top Super Bowl contenders on a yearly basis. And that makes them an attractive destination for potential free agents, which is good news headed into an important offseason.
'GMFB' ranks their Top five teams in AFC
"GMFB" ranks their Top five teams in AFC.
Though Kansas City is 9-1, their offense has never been less efficient under Mahomes. Adding some depth at the skill positions will be crucial if the Chiefs want to get back to the dominant form that they've become accustomed to over the last seven years.
The Chiefs' running game has been up-and-down this year, with Isiah Pacheco getting injured and Kareem Hunt stepping in as a free-agent signee. With Hunt likely to walk elsewhere this spring, adding another back could be key for Kansas City to replenish the offense.
Recently, Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network predicted that the Chiefs would sign Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner, a two-time Pro Bowler, to help out Pacheco in the backfield next season.
"Conner turns 30 next May but is still playing at a high level. Last season, he ranked first among all running backs with 3.93 yards after contact, finished fifth in first downs per rush, and added 27 catches and two TDs as a receiver," Robinson said.
"The Chiefs could use insurance behind Isiah Pacheco, who broke his fibula in Week 2 and is facing an extended absence. Pacheco should be fully recovered by next season, but if Carson Steele doesn’t pan out, Conner could make sense as Kansas City’s RB2 in 2025."
Conner was a Pro Bowler in both 2018 and 2021, but 2023 was by far his most efficient season, signaling that he's not losing much steam as he ages. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry a season ago, racking up a career-high 1,040 rushing yards in just 13 games.
Now, it appears the Cardinals have Conner's replacement in rookie Trey Benson, which leaves him free to sign elsewhere and help out another backfield. The Chiefs could be the beneficiary of his experience and hard-nosed mentality in 2025.
