A seventh-round pick in 2022, Pacheco had 2,537 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. His best campaign came in 2023, when he rushed for 935 yards and seven scores on 205 carries. Over the past two seasons, injuries have sapped him and the quarterback has missed 14 games. He carried the ball 118 times for 462 yards and one score in 2025.
At his best, Pacheco runs angry and brought an Energizer Bunny quality to Andy Reid’s offense. The question is whether he has any juice left in the tank after his explosive speed stops.
If healthy, he can offer physical strength behind Gibbs, giving the Lions a violent runner who can dazzle a dynamic three-down back. Another question is whether Detroit will ask him to take some of the goals Montgomery took. Over the past two seasons, Pacheco had just 9 carries for 15 yards and one score on third-and-short (1-2 yards) or fourth down with -8 rush yards above expectations, according to Next Generation Stats. He had zero touchdown catches in 2025 and three in 2024 for one total yard and one score.
Pacheco provides the type of grit that Dan Campbell wants from his players. However, the signing is further evidence that Gibbs’ workload should continue to increase.