Chiefs Sign Kenneth Walker III, Beefing Up Ground Attack

On April 1st, the Kansas City Chiefs just locked in running back Kenneth Walker III with a three-year deal worth 28.7 million dollars guaranteed.

This move is all about beefing up their ground attack after a season where they barely ran under center, only 20% of the time, third lowest, in the league.

Walker thrived under center last year, with 79% of his carries in that set up during the regular season and playoffs.

That's a big shift from the Chiefs shotgun heavy style where they logged way less traditional runs compared to teams like the Rams at over 60%.

Coaches like Andy Reed see Walker adding real juice, calling him legit with big play threat every touch.

Stats are mixed though. Last year under center he hit 4.7 yards per carry on 225 rushes with 39%.

Success, better than shotguns dismal 21% on just 61 carries. Still, it's not black and white. In prior seasons, shotgun gave him a slight edge and pistol formations, which Kansas City used sparingly at 3.0%.

0.1% might suit his speed for a running start. General manager Brett Veach wants more downhill power, leaning on their strong interior line to impose will over fancy RPOs.

Bottom line, Walker brings versatility to mix up defenses, potentially unlocking a tougher, more physical Chiefs offense as they gear up for whatever comes next.

That's your update from NFL News Today, powered by AI.