The Detroit Lions have secured former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco to strengthen their running back lineup after trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero confirmed the signing on Tuesday, marking a notable shift in the Lions’ backfield composition as Pacheco is expected to play alongside Jahmyr Gibbs.
Details regarding the financial terms of Pacheco’s contract with Detroit have not yet been disclosed. The 27-year-old running back had a challenging 2024 season, limited by an MCL sprain that sidelined him for part of the year. Over 13 games, Pacheco rushed for just 462 yards and scored one touchdown, a decline from his initial impact in the NFL.
Career Highlights and Performance Overview of Isiah Pacheco
Pacheco was drafted in the seventh round, 251st overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. During his first two seasons, he achieved the majority of his 2,537 career rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed 554 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns across 51 NFL games. The Vineland, New Jersey native was instrumental in Kansas City’s consecutive Super Bowl victories in 2022 and 2023. Notably, in the 2023 playoff run, he amassed 313 rushing yards and three touchdowns over four games, demonstrating his effectiveness when healthy.
Lions’ Running Game Adjustments and Trade Details
Coming off a season where Detroit’s rushing attack ranked 14th with 2,041 yards, the team is reconfiguring its approach following a previous season finish as the sixth-best rushing offense. The backfield had primarily depended on the combination of Gibbs and Montgomery before Montgomery was exchanged last week to Houston. The trade deal brought offensive lineman Juice Scruggs along with future picks—a 2026 fourth-round selection and a 2027 seventh-round pick—in return for Montgomery.
Implications of the Signing for the Lions’ Future
The acquisition of Isiah Pacheco signals the Lions’ attempt to fill the void left by Montgomery’s departure with a player who brings playoff experience and bursts of productivity. While Pacheco’s recent struggles raise some questions, pairing him with the youthful talent of Jahmyr Gibbs could balance the Lions’ running game in the seasons ahead. This move reflects Detroit’s ongoing effort to maintain a competitive offense through strategic roster changes and could shape their rushing strategy moving forward.
Source: The Lions are signing RB Isiah Pacheco. pic.twitter.com/TpWUD5fiBj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2026
