Patrick Mahomes Announces Big Change For The 2026 Season
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Patrick Mahomes is entering the 2026 season with a clear adjustment in mind. After reviewing last year’s tape and coming back from a knee injury, the Chiefs quarterback has decided one part of his game needs to change if he wants to stay healthy and effective over a full campaign and deep playoff run.
The two-time Super Bowl MVP made it known that he carried too much of the rushing burden in 2025. With a new running back in place and a supporting cast built to take pressure off him, Mahomes plans to stay in the pocket more often, get the ball out quicker, and save his legs for the moments when they are truly needed.
Patrick Mahomes Plans to Run Less in 2026
The star quarterback was direct about where he went wrong.
“I’m obviously going to try and take care of myself a little bit better than I did last season,” Mahomes told reporters. “I think I ran a little bit too much last season, so I’ll try to be better with that. And if all else fails, I’ll just hand it off to K9 (Kenneth Walker) and let him go to work.”
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes admits he ran too much last year and likely needs to be better about that this season.
“If all else fails, I’ll just hand it off to K9 (Kenneth Walker) and let him go to work.” https://t.co/DmORdw91GA pic.twitter.com/xh5FvjsHWw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 24, 2026
The comments point to a more measured approach. After dealing with a knee injury, Mahomes wants to stay in the pocket more often, get the ball out quicker, and limit the designed scrambles and off-script runs that defined stretches of previous years. The arrival of Kenneth Walker III gives Kansas City a proven, explosive back who can shoulder a larger share of the rushing load.
The goal is sustainability. By leaning on the run game and the supporting cast, Mahomes hopes to protect his body while still creating the explosive plays that have defined his career.
Patrick Mahomes Looks to Protect Himself With Smarter Style
The Chiefs spent the offseason adding pieces designed to make life easier on their franchise quarterback. Walker’s presence is the clearest example, but the broader plan includes better balance and fewer situations where Mahomes feels forced to extend plays with his legs.
Mahomes continues to make moves off the field as he heads into camp. The quarterback has made clear he is healthy and ready, but the self-scouting on his running volume shows a veteran mindset taking hold.
Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how the adjusted approach shows up once the games begin. For now, Mahomes has drawn a clear line: fewer hero runs, more trust in the pieces around him.
