Brashard Smith: Everything you need to know

Smith is expected to fill a complementary role alongside Emari Demercado behind Kenneth Walker in Kansas City's new-look backfield, Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star reports. The Chiefs have parted ways with Isiah Pacheco and look unlikely to bring back Kareem Hunt, but Walker's expected to handle the bulk of the rushing workload after signing a three-year contract with the team, leaving Smith and the newly signed Demercado to compete for change-of-pace duties. Smith had 44 carries for 151 yards while adding 25 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown on 35 targets in 2025, showing some promising pass catching skills as a rookie seventh-round pick.

Smith rushed the ball 12 times for 56 yards in Sunday's 14-12 loss to the Raiders. He added two receptions on four targets for two yards. Smith got the chance to serve as the lead back for the Chiefs with Isiah Pacheco (rest) sidelined. Smith led the team with 12 rushing attempts -- his highest mark since Week 7 -- and delivered solid chunk gains of 14, 10 and nine yards. He was not utilized much in his rookie season, but Smith's potential role in 2026 will be worth monitoring, as Kansas City is likely to remake its running back depth chart.

Smith had zero carries and reeled in three of his four targets for five yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 20-13 loss to the Broncos. Smith has seen a slight uptick in his snap share over the last couple of weeks, and it wouldn't be shocking if that's the case again in the season finale in Week 18 with Kansas City eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014. The rookie back hasn't proved a ton as a runner, averaging just under 3.0 yards per carry, but he's been a solid contributor as a receiver out of the backfield, hauling in 23 of his 31 targets for 170 yards and a touchdown in his inaugural NFL campaign. He'll have one more opportunity to add to that total before his rookie season expires.