Patrick Mahomes may get a new weapon with a blockbuster backfield that could break the NFL

As the NFL offseason begins to loom over the horizon, the Kansas City Chiefs appear ready to do what they do best: get richer.

Despite their perennial status as Super Bowl contenders, the front office in KC rarely stands pat, and if recent expert predictions hold true, Patrick Mahomes is about to receive a massive influx of backfield talent.

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According to a comprehensive 2026 NFL outlook by ESPN, one of the most seismic shifts of the upcoming offseason involves the Chiefs landing star running back Travis Etienne.

The explosive running back has been the engine of the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ offense for years, proving himself as one of the league’s most versatile players, whether he is taking a handoff or catching a pass.

However, with Jacksonville facing a potential roster reshuffle, ESPN’s experts project a scenario where Etienne finds his way to Arrowhead Stadium.

The fit is almost too perfect.

While Isiah Pacheco has provided the grit and angry runs that fueled the Chiefs’ recent titles, Etienne offers a home-run threat and receiving prowess that they haven’t had since the peak years of Jamaal Charles.

In Andy Reid’s creative scheme, Etienne could serve as a nightmare matchup for linebackers, operating as a release valve for Mahomes and a primary weapon in the screen game.

Adding a veteran of Etienne’s caliber would signal that the Chiefs are doubling down on their offensive evolution, ensuring that Mahomes has a playmaker capable of scoring from anywhere on the turf — without placing too much pressure on their franchise quarterback as he returns from last year’s season-ending leg injury.

While Etienne would provide the veteran spark, he might not be the only newcomer in the Chiefs’ running back room. Rumors are also swirling regarding Kansas City’s draft strategy and who they could be targeting with the ninth overall pick in the draft.

And that’s Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love.

Known for his elite speed and lightning-in-a-bottle playstyle, Love has been described as the ultimate weapon to complement a high-powered passing attack.

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If the Chiefs manage to pair Etienne with Love, they would effectively create a “Thunder and Lightning” backfield with a modern twist.

Etienne provides the proven NFL production and three-down versatility, while Love brings fresh legs and a vertical speed element that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.

Of course if the Chiefs sign Etienne in free agency then there probably won’t be a need to draft Love at all, but you never know.

You can never have too many weapons, especially in Reid’s offense.

The message from Chiefs Kingdom and around the league is clear: Kansas City is not satisfied with its current offensive output. By potentially signing Etienne and drafting Love, the Chiefs would be surrounding Mahomes with the most talented backfield of his career.

If these predictions come to fruition, the rest of the AFC may find that the gap between the Chiefs and the field is only getting wider and realize that this past season may have been their best chance at a title.

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For Chiefs fans, the prospect of Etienne donning the red and gold is a sign that the dynasty is nowhere near its end.

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