Who Should I Start? Elijah Mitchell or Brashard Smith

Monday, March 10, 12:48 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs are signing free-agent running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million on Monday, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Mitchell, who was a sixth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 out of Louisiana, will now join the Chiefs backfield as depth behind Isiah Pacheco for the 2025 season. Barring another injury for the injury-plagued RB, he'll likely enter Week 1 this fall as the No. 2 behind Pacheco. Mitchell has averaged a healthy 4.7 yards per carry on 327 rushing attempts over his three seasons in the NFL, but he's only appeared in 27 games (12 starts) due to injury. He suffered a hamstring injury in training camp last year and was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve in August before the regular season even began. At best, Mitchell will be a deep-league handcuff option for those that have Pacheco rostered.

Tuesday, May 6, 7:13 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith to a four-year, $4.33 million deal. Kansas City selected the 22-year-old with its final pick in April's draft, No. 228 overall. Smith spent the first three campaigns of his collegiate career as a Hurricane in Miami, and started just ten games, but was a do-it-all player contributing in the rushing, receiving, and return game. His move to SMU during his final season proved to be an excellent decision as he rushed for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns across 235 carries (5.7 YPC). The first year back has speed for days (4.39 40-yard dash) and stands out in that regard amongst other Kansas City rushers. While there's a steep climb to the top in terms of playing time, it wouldn't be surprising to see the former Mustang push for snaps. He's an intriguing late-round selection in dynasty rookie drafts for the time being.