The Detroit Lions are poised to sign free-agent running back Isiah Pacheco on Tuesday, according to a source cited by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Pacheco is expected to fill the void left by David Montgomery, who was recently traded to the Houston Texans, and will serve as the primary complement to the Lions’ starting running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Pacheco, 27, was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Rutgers. Over his first two NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, he amassed 1,765 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 375 carries. However, injuries have limited his production over the last two seasons, where he totaled 772 rushing yards and only two touchdowns on 201 carries in 2024 and 2025 combined.
The move to Detroit presents an opportunity for Pacheco to revitalize his career as he enters his fifth NFL season. Fantasy football enthusiasts will likely see him as a low-cost late draft option, functioning as a backup or handcuff to Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions’ backfield.
Tyquan Thornton’s Renewal with the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have reached a deal to bring back wide receiver Tyquan Thornton on a two-year contract worth up to $14 million, as reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL.com. Thornton joined the Chiefs prior to the 2025 season after being a second-round pick by the New England Patriots. In that season, Thornton caught 19 passes on 37 targets for 438 yards and three touchdowns. Although his statistics may not seem impressive, Thornton demonstrated enough reliability to secure a new contract extending into the 2026 season.
Fantasy managers should manage expectations regarding Thornton’s outlook, as he peaked as the WR81 in PPR leagues last year. It remains uncertain if he will break into the top 75 in dynasty startup or redraft leagues during the upcoming season.
Gardner Minshew Signs with Arizona Cardinals
Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew agreed to a one-year contract valued at $8.25 million with the Arizona Cardinals, a source informed Adam Schefter of ESPN. This signing follows the Cardinals’ decision to release Kyler Murray due to a foot injury. Despite this move, Minshew is expected to serve as the backup to veteran starter Jacoby Brissett in 2026.
Minshew, 29, spent the previous season in Kansas City backing up Patrick Mahomes. He appeared in four games, including one start, completing six of 13 passes for 37 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. His season was cut short by a knee injury, and he did not play subsequent games after Mahomes sustained a season-ending knee injury. A 2019 sixth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Washington State, Minshew’s fantasy value will be limited unless Brissett suffers an injury that elevates Minshew to starting duties.
Travis Kelce’s Continued Commitment to the Chiefs
Veteran tight end Travis Kelce has officially re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2026 NFL season, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. At 36 years old, Kelce will enter his 14th season in the league. Despite considering retirement for the second consecutive offseason, all indicators suggested his return to Kansas City.
Kelce hasn’t eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards since 2022, and injuries have become a more frequent concern in recent years. Nonetheless, in the 2025 season, he finished as a top-five fantasy tight end with 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games. His continued presence is pivotal for the Chiefs as they seek a return to postseason success following a playoff absence after three consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
Expectation of Kelce’s Return and Impact on Chiefs’ Offense
Reports from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network emphasize that Kelce is expected to return to the Chiefs despite opportunities to explore free agency. As an 11-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer, Kelce’s production remains significant even as he ages. He caught 76 passes on 108 targets for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season, ranking fourth among tight ends in half-PPR scoring. While no longer a peak performer, he remains a key component of the offense under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Kelce’s Motivation and Contract Discussions
According to conversations detailed by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Kelce appears motivated to continue his career into a 14th NFL season. The Chiefs are actively engaged in negotiations to retain their star tight end, though nothing is finalized. Kelce, who has faced retirement considerations in successive offseasons, still represents a midrange TE1 option in fantasy football, albeit with increased injury risk due to age.
Marquise Brown’s Declining Role with Chiefs Heading into Free Agency
Wide receiver Marquise Brown started the 2025 season strongly with 10 catches for 99 yards in Week 1, yet his involvement lessened as the season progressed. Over 16 games, Brown caught 49 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. Approaching unrestricted free agency at age 29, Brown’s fantasy value appears to be waning after a declining trajectory since his standout 2021 campaign with the Baltimore Ravens.
Brown’s situation is complicated by turmoil surrounding Chiefs WR1 Rashee Rice, who is under NFL investigation for alleged misconduct. This could create an opportunity for Brown if Kansas City elects to re-sign him, though his overall fantasy outlook remains uncertain heading into 2026.
Chiefs’ Management Hopes for Kelce’s Continuation Amid Retirement Questions
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach expressed at the NFL scouting combine that the team hopes Kelce returns for the 2026 season. While acknowledging that the organization is prepared for any outcome, Veach’s remarks suggest optimism about Kelce’s intention to play. Despite age-related durability concerns, Kelce’s production last year as the TE4 in half-PPR leagues reinforces his value to both the Chiefs and fantasy managers alike.
Patrick Mahomes Making Progress Following Knee Surgery
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update on quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ rehabilitation from ACL and LCL knee surgery, describing the rehab process as progressing positively. Reid noted,
“He’s around here all the time,”
and added,
“He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day. He’s in there cranking away and making progress every day. It’s great to see.”
Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl MVP and six-time Pro Bowler, underwent surgery after sustaining a significant injury late in the 2025 season. Despite promising rehab strides, his performance metrics prior to injury reflected a dip, with career lows in touchdowns (22) and passing yards (3,587) over 14 games. Coming off major surgery and entering his tenth NFL season, Mahomes’ fantasy ranking will likely be lower than his previous elite QB1 status heading into 2026.
The Unlikelihood of Isiah Pacheco Returning to Kansas City
The Athletic’s Jesse Newell has reported that Isiah Pacheco is expected to sign with another team this offseason after underwhelming performances in 2024 and 2025. While Pacheco showed strong speed during the 2022 scouting combine, his production and explosiveness have diminished recently, highlighted by a 3.9 yards per carry average and just one rushing touchdown on 118 attempts last season across 13 games.
In addition to decreased rushing effectiveness, Pacheco has failed to replicate his 2023 receiving numbers, where he had 44 catches. His fantasy stock and value in 2026 will largely depend on his new team’s usage plan, but a timeshare role seems probable given his recent struggles.
Ongoing Conversations Between Chiefs and Travis Kelce
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that the Chiefs have maintained communication with Travis Kelce as his current contract reaches free agency. Reid commented,
“There is communication. That’s the main thing. That means people want to move forward. I [think] that’s where Travis is,”
suggesting a mutual interest in continuing the partnership.
Kelce’s potential decision to re-sign with Kansas City would bring a valuable veteran presence back to the offense. Despite aging and injury concerns, he finished 2025 as the TE4 in half-PPR scoring with 76 receptions, 851 yards, and five touchdowns. His return would position him again as a midrange TE1 choice for fantasy football drafts, though with elevated injury risk.
Implications of Isiah Pacheco’s Signing for the Detroit Lions
Isiah Pacheco’s addition to the Detroit Lions marks a significant change in their backfield dynamics, replacing David Montgomery as the complement to Jahmyr Gibbs. Given Pacheco’s early-career promise and the potential for resurgence without a hefty contract commitment, this signing provides the Lions with a depth option capable of contributing both on the ground and potentially as a receiver out of the backfield.
From a fantasy football perspective, this move creates value for managers seeking affordable backup running backs, especially those targeting Gibbs’ handcuff. Pacheco’s opportunity for a bounce-back season in Detroit will depend heavily on health and how the coaching staff utilizes his skill set.
