Lions Acquire Ex-Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco After Montgomery Trade
The Detroit Lions have recently acquired running back Isiah Pacheco, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, following a trade involving David Montgomery. This move reflects the Lions’ strategy to bolster their backfield depth.
Acquisition Details
Pacheco, a seventh-round draft pick in 2022, made a significant impact during his tenure with the Chiefs. Over four seasons, he amassed a total of 2,537 rushing yards and recorded 14 touchdowns. His standout year was 2023, where he rushed for 935 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries.
Injury History and Performance
- Injuries have affected Pacheco’s performance over the past two seasons.
- He missed 14 games, during which his rushing attempts dropped significantly.
- In 2025, he carried the ball 118 times for 462 yards and scored once.
Pacheco is known for his aggressive running style, which added a dynamic energy to Kansas City’s offense. However, questions arise about his current performance levels after an observable decline in his explosive run rate.
Role with the Lions
With the Lions, Pacheco is expected to complement Jahmyr Gibbs. His physical playing style is ideal for short-yardage situations, and he may take on some responsibilities previously handled by Montgomery, particularly in goal-line scenarios.
Statistics Insight
In the past two seasons, Pacheco’s performance in critical short-yardage situations has been less than stellar:
- He had just 9 carries for 15 yards on essential three- and fourth-down plays.
- His performance on those plays resulted in -8 rush yards over expected, according to Next Gen Stats.
- Pacheco recorded no goal-line carries in 2025 and only managed three carries for one total yard and one touchdown in 2024.
Coaching Perspectives
Head Coach Dan Campbell values the grit and determination Pacheco brings to the team. With Pacheco’s addition, the Lions’ backfield receives an upgrade that can help manage Gibbs’ workload more effectively.
This acquisition marks a significant step for the Lions as they continue to refine their roster and enhance their offensive capabilities. Fans will be eager to see how Pacheco integrates into the team’s game plan moving forward.
