Isiah Pacheco Signs Free-Agent Contract with Detroit Lions: Source

Emerson Raymont

Published: March 10, 2026 6:25 PM ET

Isiah Pacheco Signs Free-Agent Contract with Detroit Lions: Source

Isiah Pacheco, a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, has signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. This contract was confirmed by a league source on Tuesday, following initial reports by NFL Network. Pacheco, who celebrated his 27th birthday in March, ranked 147th among free agents and was rated as the 12th best running back in the league.

Background on Isiah Pacheco

Pacheco was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. He quickly established himself as a starter, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Pacheco was the leading rusher for two Super Bowl-winning seasons, accumulating 830 yards in 2022 and 935 yards in 2023.

Injury Challenges

Despite his early success, injuries plagued Pacheco in recent seasons. He suffered a broken fibula early in 2024, causing him to miss half of the season. When he returned, he battled through a rib injury and later faced a right knee injury during Week 8 of the last season. This limited his contributions, and he missed a month before returning in late November.

Performance Statistics

Pacheco recorded 205 carries in 2023, achieving speeds of 15 mph or more on 29 occasions.
In the two seasons prior, he reached similar speeds only 15 times on 201 attempts.
He ranked fourth-worst among 49 qualified running backs in explosive run percentage, defined as runs of 12 yards or more.
He was one of four running backs with over 100 carries who failed to achieve a run of 20 or more yards.

Pacheco’s Fit with the Lions

Pacheco’s aggressive running style has made him a recognizable player, akin to a “galloping” runner. His ability to gain yards after contact aligns with the Lions’ need for a more physical running back, particularly following the departure of David Montgomery.

Rostering Potential

While Pacheco may not fully replicate Montgomery’s role due to some limitations in vision and agility, he is expected to effectively handle goal-line duties and secure tough yardage. His addition provides depth to the running back position, potentially allowing the Lions to avoid selecting a running back in the upcoming draft.

Isiah Pacheco, a native of New Jersey and a former Rutgers player, brings passion and energy to the Lions. However, his challenges with injuries and a need to improve his receiving skills remain as points to watch moving forward.