The Kansas City Chiefs seem likely to add some help at the running back position this offseason, but anyone they add will have to go through Damien Williams for the starting job.

Williams, 26, was signed by the Chiefs to a one-year deal in the offseason after he spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. He began the season as the number three back and a contributor on special teams, but the team's decision to release starter Kareem Hunt due to off-field issues followed by an injury to backup Spencer Ware cleared the way for Williams to enter the starting lineup. Williams responded with over 400 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in the final five games of the regular season, then added 159 rushing yards, 91 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns in the playoffs.

The Chiefs liked what they saw from Williams enough to give him a two-year contract extension in December. Williams's production as well as the fact he's one of just two running backs (along with Darrel Williams) under contract for the 2019 season make him the clear favorite at the moment to hold down the lead back spot, according to Chiefs general manager Brett Veach.

"He certainly showed that at the end of last year," Veach told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine Thursday. "He was a guy that we were able to acquire in the offseason last year and came in in the preseason and showed flashes. He just needed an opportunity, and when the opportunity presented itself, he kind of took it and ran with it. That's why we extended him. He's always been a talented player. He can run, catch, block, he can really do everything. He was great on special teams. But I would certainly say going into this offseason and going into the '19 season it's Damien's job to lose."

There will be decisions to be made from here in terms of Ware and Charcandrick West, whose contracts expire when the 2019 league year begins on March 13. And even if Ware and/or West are brought back, the Chiefs will probably pay close attention to the running backs available in the draft and free agency as they look to shore up the position. But with Williams in the fold, the Chiefs know they have someone capable of filling the load now that Hunt has moved on. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid feels the same as Veach on that issue.

"We were happy with how Damien played," Reid said at the Combine Wednesday. "Good football player, stepped in in big shoes. Kareem’s a good football player. He did a nice job for us. We look at every position to fill, but he’s established himself now as a legitimate NFL player and we feel good about that."