Lions Sign Isiah Pacheco To Replace David Montgomery In Power-Rush Game

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by Matthew MendivesMarch 16, 2026, 1:05 am >

The Detroit Lions have signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.

Pacheco will sign a one-year, $1.81 million contract with the Lions. He will join Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions’ running back room.

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Earlier this offseason, the Lions traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans to save cap space. Pacheco’s contract is a low-risk move for the Lions.

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The Chiefs no longer had a need for Pacheco after signing reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. The Chiefs plan to use their remaining cap space to improve their secondary and pass rush.

Pacheco rushed for 462 yards in 13 games. Veteran Kareem Hunt surpassed him in touches, although Pacheco had more starts.

The 2021 Chiefs struggled to find consistency in the run game. Darrel Williams was the Chiefs’ leading rusher. Pacheco was drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft to improve the Chiefs’ run game. He was a huge part of Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII championship seasons.

However, injuries have prevented Pacheco from playing at that level in 2024 and 2025. The Chiefs once again look elsewhere to improve their running game.

The Montgomery-Gibbs duo was known for being opposites. Montgomery was a power runner, while Gibbs was one of the fastest players in the NFL. Pacheco also plays in a power style, which could help make up for Montgomery’s loss.

In Kansas City, Pacheco was in an offensive system under head coach Andy Reid that did not emphasize running. Reid-led teams historically have had some of the lowest rush rates in the NFL. Although Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t have a run-first system, the versatility of his system could help Pacheco get more consistent looks.

Although Pacheco is a strong offensive addition, the Lions will need to improve their defense to make the playoffs in 2026.