Who Should I Start? Isiah Pacheco or Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Friday, February 20, 10:44 AM

The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that Kansas City Chiefs impending free-agent running back Isiah Pacheco is "likely to sign elsewhere" in free agency this offseason. Pacheco did not show his pre-injury burst out of the backfield in 2025, averaging 3.9 yards per carry while rushing for 462 yards and just one touchdown on 118 rushing attempts in 13 games played. He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL scouting combine, but he hasn't shown that same speed after a productive first two seasons in the NFL. In addition to his declining speed, he hasn't established himself as a receiving threat out of the backfield, with his 44-catch season in 2023 looking like an outlier. On top of injuries the last two seasons, Pacheco's fantasy stock is down as he enters free agency. Pacheco's 2026 fantasy value will depend on where he's playing, but most likely, he'll be involved in some sort of timeshare after struggling the last two seasons.

Saturday, February 28, 4:57 AM

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy, Jr., may be on the outside looking in during the 2026 season. The team expects fellow running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) to make a full recovery by Week 1, and may target other backs in free agency or the NFL draft. Tracy was unable to replicate his electric rookie season during his sophomore year and lost playing time, seeing just 31.5% of offensive snaps until Skattebo's season-ending injury in Week 8. Starting in Week 9, his playtime nearly doubled to 61.9% of team snaps, and Tracy did have two RB1 performances, including a career-high 24.7 PPR points against the Washington Commanders during the fantasy playoffs in Week 15. Tracy is a young, talented back who has demonstrated his RB1 ability, but his dynasty value could plummet this offseason if he drops further down the depth chart.