By Stig Editor 
Chiefs Sign Elijah Mitchell: A Potential Game-Changer for Struggling Run Game
The Kansas City Chiefs may have just taken a significant step toward revitalizing their run game by signing former San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell—a move that could prove crucial as they aim for a three-peat Super Bowl title.
Kansas City’s rushing attack last season was underwhelming, ranking in the bottom half of the league in both yards per game and yards per carry. While Isiah Pacheco provided toughness and energy, the backfield lacked depth, consistency, and explosive versatility—especially in games where Patrick Mahomes couldn’t rely solely on his passing magic.
That’s where Mitchell comes in.
A Star Before the Setbacks
Before injuries hampered his momentum, Elijah Mitchell was a revelation in the 49ers’ backfield. As a rookie in 2021, he racked up 963 rushing yards and five touchdowns in just 11 games, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. He was fast, physical, and possessed excellent vision—everything you’d want from a lead back in a zone-blocking scheme.
Mitchell was, quite simply, killing it before injuries started to take a toll. A string of knee issues over the next two seasons limited his touches, particularly after the arrival of Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco. But when healthy, Mitchell remained explosive—he averaged over 4.5 yards per carry across limited action in 2022 and 2023.
A Perfect Fit for Andy Reid’s Offense?
While Mitchell may not be expected to shoulder the load as a bell-cow, his addition gives head coach Andy Reid a fresh set of legs with high upside. His ability to run between the tackles, hit the edge with speed, and contribute in the screen game makes him an ideal complement to Pacheco.
Furthermore, Mitchell brings playoff experience and the kind of toughness that fits well in Kansas City’s culture. With proper workload management and a clean bill of health, he could become a valuable weapon in Reid’s creative system—one that thrives on unpredictability and versatility.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
For the Chiefs, this signing is a smart, low-risk gamble with significant upside. Mitchell’s contract is likely team-friendly given his recent injury history, but if he regains his 2021 form, Kansas City might have landed one of the most underrated free-agent steals of the offseason.
Final Thoughts
Elijah Mitchell’s journey has been full of flashes of greatness cut short by untimely injuries. Now, he gets a fresh start with a championship-caliber team that has a clear need at his position. If he stays healthy, he could help balance the Chiefs’ offense and take pressure off Mahomes in critical moments.
The move may not make the biggest headlines, but it might just be one of the most important in Kansas City’s offseason.
Watch out for Elijah Mitchell—because when he’s healthy, he’s a problem.