Lions Sign Former Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco After Montgomery Trade
The Detroit Lions have made a significant move by signing former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco following the trade of David Montgomery. This decision reflects the Lions’ strategy to bolster their running game with physical, tenacious players.
Isiah Pacheco’s Career Overview
Pacheco was drafted as a seventh-round pick in 2022. Over four seasons with the Chiefs, he accumulated impressive stats:
- 2,537 rushing yards
- 14 rushing touchdowns
His standout year came in 2023, where he rushed for:
- 935 yards
- 7 touchdowns
Injury Challenges and Performance
While Pacheco has shown flashes of brilliance, he has faced challenges due to injuries. Over the past two seasons, he missed 14 games, which impacted his performance significantly. In the 2025 season, Pacheco rushed 118 times, resulting in:
- 462 yards
- 1 touchdown
His effectiveness appeared to decline as he struggled with injuries during critical moments.
Potential Role with the Lions
If he can regain his form, Pacheco could bring a much-needed physical presence to the Lions’ backfield, particularly behind their primary running back, Jahmyr Gibbs. His aggressive running style aligns with Head Coach Dan Campbell’s vision for a strong, gritty team.
One area of interest is how the Lions will utilize Pacheco in the offense:
- He may take on some of the third-down carries.
- His role could extend to goal-line situations, which were previously handled by Montgomery.
However, Pacheco’s statistics raise questions about his effectiveness in these crucial situations, as he averaged minimal output on third and short attempts.
Conclusion
Isiah Pacheco’s signing signals the Lions’ commitment to enhancing their running game. With the potential for increased workload for Gibbs, Pacheco’s addition emphasizes the team’s focus on toughness and physicality in their offensive strategy.
