Marcus Marshall Added as RB for the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs battle through a season plagued by injuries and playoff uncertainty, the team made a strategic move to bolster their running back depth on Tuesday: signing free agent Marcus Marshall to a one-year contract. The addition comes at a critical time for the Chiefs, who have seen their rushing attack struggle in recent weeks—averaging just 72 yards per game over the last four contests—and are dealing with lingering health concerns for starter Isiah Pacheco (who missed Week 13 with a hamstring tweak). Marshall, a 27-year-old with NFL and USFL experience, brings a mix of speed and power that the Chiefs hope will inject life into their stagnant run game. Marcus Marshall Added as RB for the Kansas City Chiefs explores the motivation behind the signing, Marshall’s football journey, how he fits into the Chiefs’ offense, and what his arrival means for the team’s push toward the playoffs.

Marcus Marshall Added as RB for the Kansas City Chiefs first delves into the Chiefs’ need for running back depth and why Marshall emerged as a viable option. The Chiefs’ rushing attack, once a complementary force to Patrick Mahomes’ passing game, has become a liability in 2025. Pacheco, while talented, has been banged up all season—missing two games with a knee injury and playing through shoulder soreness in three others—and his production has suffered (3.8 yards per carry, down from 4.9 in 2024). Backup Clyde Edwards-Helaire has failed to seize opportunities, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry and fumbling twice in limited action. Third-stringer Deneric Prince, an undrafted rookie, has yet to see meaningful snaps beyond special teams. With upcoming matchups against run-defense-heavy teams like the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs knew they needed to add a reliable option. Marshall, who spent the 2024 season with the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions (rushing for 890 yards and 7 touchdowns), had worked out for the Chiefs in October and left a positive impression on coaches. “We’ve been keeping an eye on Marcus since his USFL season,” Chiefs running backs coach Greg Lewis said. “He’s a hard runner who can break tackles and contribute in the passing game—exactly what we need right now. His work ethic and versatility made him an easy choice.”

A key part of Marshall’s appeal to the Chiefs is his unique football journey, which has shaped him into a resilient, adaptable player. Marshall began his college career at Georgia Tech in 2016, where he rushed for 654 yards and 4 touchdowns as a freshman before transferring to James Madison University in 2018. At James Madison, he became a standout—earning All-CAA honors twice and finishing his career with 2,345 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. After going undrafted in 2020, Marshall signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad but was released after training camp. He then spent two seasons in the USFL, first with the New Jersey Generals (2023) and then the Birmingham Stallions (2024), where he refined his game by playing in a run-heavy system that emphasized patience and vision—skills that translate directly to the NFL. “My time in the USFL taught me to be consistent and to make the most of every opportunity,” Marshall said in his first press conference as a Chief. “I never stopped working toward getting back to the NFL, and now that I have this chance, I’m going to give it everything I have.” Marshall’s journey has also honed his ability to contribute on special teams—a plus for the Chiefs, who value versatility in their role players. During his USFL tenure, he served as a kick returner, averaging 24.5 yards per return in 2024.

A defining aspect of Marcus Marshall Added as RB for the Kansas City Chiefs is how Marshall’s skill set aligns with the Chiefs’ offensive scheme. The Chiefs run a zone-blocking system that requires running backs to read defenses, find gaps, and accelerate quickly—all strengths of Marshall’s game. At 5’10”, 215 pounds, he has the size to handle between-the-tackles runs (his 3.1 yards after contact in the USFL ranked third in the league) and the speed (4.48 40-yard dash) to turn outside runs into big gains. He’s also a capable receiver out of the backfield, having caught 35 passes for 310 yards in his USFL career—something the Chiefs value, as they often use running backs in the passing game to create mismatches. “Marcus fits what we do offensively,” Lewis said. “He can run between the tackles when we need to pick up tough yards, and he can stretch the defense to the outside. He also has good hands, which means we can use him in the passing game to keep defenses honest.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Marshall’s versatility will allow them to adjust their game plan week-to-week: against teams with strong interior run defenses, they can use his speed on the edge; against teams that blitz heavily, they can line him up in the slot to draw linebackers out of coverage. This flexibility is exactly what the Chiefs need to revitalize their offense.

The addition of Marshall also has implications for the Chiefs’ running back rotation and Pacheco’s workload down the stretch. With Pacheco dealing with nagging injuries, the Chiefs have been hesitant to overwork him, but they’ve lacked a reliable backup to share the load. Marshall’s arrival will allow Lewis to reduce Pacheco’s snaps—potentially limiting his risk of a season-ending injury—while maintaining production on the ground. In short-yardage situations, Marshall could spell Pacheco, using his power to convert third-and-short or goal-line opportunities. He could also see time on special teams, replacing Prince as a kick returner and freeing up Prince to focus on developing as a running back. “Adding Marcus doesn’t mean we’re giving up on Pacheco—far from it,” Lewis said. “It means we can keep Isiah fresh for the games that matter most, like the playoffs. Having two reliable running backs is a luxury in this league, and we’re excited to have that now.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this depth is crucial as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. With just five games left, every snap counts, and having a healthy, productive running back group could be the difference between making the playoffs and watching from home.

Another factor to consider is how Marshall’s presence could boost team morale and confidence in the offense. The Chiefs’ offense has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, with the run game failing to take pressure off Mahomes. This has led to frustration among players and fans, as the team’s Super Bowl aspirations have dimmed. Marshall’s arrival brings a fresh energy—he’s a player with something to prove, and his work ethic could inspire his new teammates. “Marcus comes in here hungry, and that’s contagious,” Mahomes said. “When you have a guy who’s been fighting for this chance for years, it makes everyone else step up their game. I’m excited to work with him and see what he can do.” Marshall has also been quick to integrate into the locker room, spending extra time with Mahomes and the offensive line to learn the playbook and build chemistry. “The guys here have been great—they’ve welcomed me with open arms,” Marshall said. “I’m just trying to absorb as much as I can right now, so I’m ready when my number is called.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this sense of unity and purpose is just as important as on-field talent; a cohesive offense is more likely to overcome adversity and find success in the playoffs.

Wrapping up, Marcus Marshall Added as RB for the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of opportunity—for both the player and the team. For Marshall, it’s a chance to prove himself in the NFL after years of grinding in alternative leagues. For the Chiefs, it’s a chance to fix a broken run game, protect their star running back, and reignite their playoff push. While Marshall may not be a household name, his skill set, resilience, and versatility make him a valuable addition to a team in need of a spark. As the Chiefs prepare for their Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, all eyes will be on Marshall—will he seize his opportunity and become a key contributor, or will he fade into the background like so many other midseason signings? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Kansas City Chiefs are not ready to give up on their 2025 season, and Marcus Marshall is the latest piece in their effort to turn things around. “We’re still fighting,” Reid said. “Every move we make is to put this team in the best position to win, and adding Marcus is no different. We believe in this team, and we believe in Marcus.” For Chiefs fans, this signing is a reason to hope—hope that the run game will improve, hope that the team will make the playoffs, and hope that the magic of past seasons isn’t gone just yet.