Chiefs-Commanders Trade Pitch Adds $8 Million Insurance Policy for Isaiah Pacheco

Kansas City, MO – April 20, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs, still licking wounds from a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, are weighing a bold trade with the Washington Commanders to secure an $8 million running back as a safeguard for star Isaiah Pacheco, sources told ESPN on Sunday. With Pacheco’s injury history a concern, Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie proposes Washington’s versatile Austin Ekeler as the ideal complement to fortify Patrick Mahomes’ ground game.

Pacheco, 26, powered 935 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024 but missed three games with a broken fibula and rib issues (NFL.com). Ekeler, 30, in the final year of a two-year, $8.4 million deal, logged 367 rushing yards, 366 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 2024, playing second fiddle to Brian Robinson. His pass-catching ability—55 catches in 2023—fits Andy Reid’s multifaceted playbook.

“Ekeler with Pacheco? Chiefs backfield electric!”

The Commanders, eyeing a youth-driven rebuild, could part with Ekeler for a 2025 sixth-round pick, capitalizing on their seven draft selections. “Ekeler’s a proven veteran,” a Chiefs source said. With $12.7 million in cap space, Kansas City can handle his $4.2 million hit (Spotrac). X buzzed: “Veach snags Ekeler? That’s a coup!”

Ekeler would ease Pacheco’s workload and provide a reliable fallback, unlike unproven backups Kareem Hunt and Carson Steele. His 2024 concussion history is a risk, but his 5.0 yards per carry in prior seasons signal upside. “He’s a dual-threat spark,” a scout noted. X roared: “Pacheco-Ekeler tandem? Super Bowl vibes!”

As the April 24 draft looms, this trade could stabilize Green Bay’s backfield, complementing Jacobs’ bruising style and pushing the Packers closer to championship contention.