The first — and only — first-round draft pick for the Kansas City Chiefs under general manager Brett Veach is running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was chosen with the 32nd overall pick in the draft of the NFL 2020. He is also the only running back with significant snaps from 2021 who is now under contract; Both Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon are set to hit free agency.

McKinnon could be brought back – and with strong performances dotted throughout the season, could even be given a bigger role.

Williams – a reliable substitute who stepped up when other players were injured – is unlikely to return. While Williams led the team in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns in 2021, Edwards-Helaire will now bear the brunt of the responsibility for that production – but given his injury history, the Chiefs will need to have viable backups.

If the Chiefs choose to move on from one (or both) of last season’s backups, the free agent market is a good place for them to find veterans who could become valuable running backs.

Free agency

• Melvin Gordon
• Philip Lindsay
• Marlon Mac
• Alex Collins
• Jalen Richard
• Sony Michel
• Jacques White
• Ronald Jones II
• david johnson

With a first-round pick already invested in the job, the Chiefs likely won’t spend a lot of money on a free agent return. Now entering his third season, Edwards-Helaire is under contract for two more seasons – and the team has an option for another.

A seven-year veteran like Gordon will likely attract too much attention (and money) for Kansas City to be a likely landing spot. But if he’s motivated by the ring, Gordon could at least make a date with the Chiefs.

In the past, Mack has been linked with Kansas City as a trade candidate while Edwards-Healire has been injured. Now, after Johnathan Taylor’s rise with the Indianapolis Colts, Mack is coming to the open market. With his ability to be dangerous both on the court and as a wide receiver, Mack would be a perfect fit for the Chiefs – and the sixth-year player still has plenty of value.

I’m about to beat the table for Lindsay, who recently played for the Miami Dolphins. He started 2021 with the Houston Texans, but was waived and claimed by Miami. He is most remembered for his time in Denver, where he rose to prominence as an undrafted free agent who rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. Lindsay provides everything the Chiefs need in the backfield — and in the stability of Kansas City’s offense, he would thrive.

You can view the full list of free running backs here.

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There are a lot of running backs in the NFL Draft class this season. There just isn’t a lot of star power. Still, the Chiefs could use late-round picks to acquire fullbacks that would cost little – but offer a lot of value. There are plenty of full-backs who could see the first representatives of the team that selects them.

• Rachel White (Arizona State)
• Tyler Badie (Missouri)
• James Cook (Georgia)
• CJ Verdell (Oregon)
• Jerome Ford (Cincinnati)
• Tyler Allgeier (BYU)
• Dameon Pierce (Florida)
• Ty Chandler (North Carolina)

In 2021, Mizzou’s Badie lit up the SEC — and could be a late addition. Players like Verdell or Chandler could also be found in the later rounds and still provide hard-hitting reps as rookies.

But let’s focus on a Kansas City native.

Rachaad White, Arizona State

White attended Center High School before pursuing his playing career at a community college: Mt. San Antonio in California. After transferring to Arizona State in 2020, he impressed coaches and scouts for two seasons. In 2021, he gained 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, as well as 456 yards and a touchdown as a receiver for the Sun Devils.

Right now, it looks like White could leave as early as the fourth round – but with the running back class as saturated as it is, it’s hard to say how different teams might value them. White doesn’t have many reps against Division I talent, but don’t be surprised if he pops up in a few games in 2022. It might as well be for his hometown Chiefs.