Trending Now - Detroit Lions Add RB Isiah Pacheco to Strengthen Roster
WHO:
Isiah Pacheco, 27 years old, former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs
Kenneth Walker III, Super Bowl MVP, signed by the Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions
Isiah Pacheco, running back
Kansas City Chiefs
Jahmyr Gibbs, running back
David Montgomery, former running back for the Lions
Kenneth Walker III, Super Bowl MVP
WHAT:
Pacheco started 24 games in his first two years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pacheco earned 830 rushing yards in his rookie season in 2022.
Pacheco had 205 carries in 2023, producing 15 broken tackles, just two fewer than David Montgomery's total for that season.
Pacheco's rushing statistics for the 2025 season included 462 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in 13 games.
The Detroit Lions have agreed to a deal with Isiah Pacheco.
Pacheco will replace David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans.
Pacheco signed a one-year deal with the Lions, though the dollar amount has not been disclosed.
Pacheco was selected with the 251st pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In 2023, Pacheco recorded 935 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns.
In 2024, Pacheco suffered a broken fibula and played only seven games.
Pacheco had 462 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in the 2025 season.
Pacheco averaged 4.9 yards per carry in 2022 and 4.6 yards per carry in 2023.
Pacheco produced 15 broken tackles in 2023.
WHERE:
Detroit, Michigan (home of the Detroit Lions)
Kansas City, Missouri (home of the Kansas City Chiefs)
WHEN:
The Lions agreed to trade David Montgomery to the Houston Texans on March 3rd, 2026.
Pacheco's injury occurred in Week 2 of the 2024 season, which limited him to just seven games that year.
The deal with Isiah Pacheco was reported on March 10th, 2026.
Pacheco was drafted in 2022.
Pacheco's injury occurred in Week 2 of the 2024 season.
Pacheco's 2023 season statistics were recorded in 2023.
Pacheco's 2025 season statistics were recorded in 2025.
WHY:
The Lions needed a replacement for David Montgomery after his trade to the Texans.
HOW:
Pacheco is expected to fill a specialized role as RB2, providing rest for Jahmyr Gibbs and handling short-yardage and late-game touches.
Pacheco was signed to a one-year contract to complement Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions' backfield.
(UPDATED March 11, 2026 01:28 UTC)
In a significant move for the Kansas City Chiefs, they have signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, while former running back Isiah Pacheco, who started 24 games in his first two seasons, is expected to take on a specialized role as RB2. Pacheco had a solid rookie season in 2022 with 830 rushing yards and continued to show his skills in 2023, where he recorded 205 carries and 15 broken tackles. After an injury limited him to just seven games in 2024, Pacheco's rushing stats for the 2025 season included 462 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games.
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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 23:06 UTC)
The Detroit Lions have officially signed running back Isiah Pacheco to a one-year deal, filling the gap left by David Montgomery's recent trade to the Houston Texans. Pacheco, who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs, recorded impressive stats in 2023 with 935 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, although he faced challenges in the following season due to injury. The Lions are looking to enhance their backfield alongside Jahmyr Gibbs as they prepare for the upcoming season.