One NFL insider thinks Patrick Mahomes’ former Kansas City Chiefs teammate is the running back the Detroit Lions are looking for. Jordan Schultz was talking about none other than Isiah Pacheco.

Retweeting his own X post that broke the news of Pacheco's move to the Lions, Schultz believes Pacheco's "rugged style" fits the Lions perfectly.

“Can’t think of a runner much better suited for Dan Campbell than Isiah Pacheco, whose rugged style fits nicely with the Lions,” he wrote.

According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, Pacheco has signed a one-year deal that is worth $1.8 million. His signing comes right after the Lions announced the departure of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. It is believed he is here to support running back Jahmyr Gibbs.

Gibbs flourished with Montgomery behind him. They were nicknamed 'Sonic and Knuckles' because of the former's speed and the latter's strength. It seems Pacheco is here to fill the missing physicality left behind by Montgomery.

Pacheco was picked by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft and got himself into the starting lineup of his team in the next few seasons. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, when the Chiefs won back-to-back Super Bowls, he was their top rusher, recording 935 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023. 

However, Pacheco's rough running style has also brought him injuries. In the last two years, he has suffered knee and rib injuries as well as a broken fibula. But that only shows his eagerness to score for his team.

How Does Pacheco Fit in Dan Campbell's Lions Team?

Pacheco will fit right in with the Detroit Lions, as coach Dan Campbell prefers a running back who can pick up yards despite contact.

According to The Athletic's Jesse Newell and Colton Pouncy, Pacheco has a "galloping" quality to his running.

"Pacheco has become a well-known name in the league because of his fierce and violent running style — almost as if he’s galloping."

The analysts even talked about how Pacheco's game fit the offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing's system, offering hope that the Lions will "bring out the best from the newly acquired RB."

Even Darius Butler, while talking to Pat McAfee on 'The Pat McAfee Show,' talked about the need for a physical running back like Pacheco on the Lions' team. He believes Pacheco can offset Gibbs' ups and downs.

"But [Gibbs] does have some ebbs and flows in his game. Sometimes, he will kind of disappear, as well. So bringing Pacheco in there to be kind of that off-balance."

There is just one problem, though. In the last two seasons, Pacheco has played only 20 games. Both of his seasons have been interrupted by an MCL sprain in his right knee, which he sustained last year.

So, it remains to be seen how the 2026 season fares for Pacheco with the Lions.

What do you think about the Lions' acquisition of Pacheco? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan