Kansas City Chiefs Eye Running Back Trade as Season Progresses

The Kansas City Chiefs have started the 2025 NFL season with a record of 1-2, suffering consecutive losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles before securing a 22-9 victory against the New York Giants in Week 3. Despite this win, the Chiefs' offense has struggled, averaging only 108 rushing yards per game, which ranks them 17th in the league. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is currently the team's leading rusher, highlighting the lack of a definitive RB1. Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and rookie Brashard Smith have not established themselves as reliable options in the backfield.

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As the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 4, analysts are suggesting that the Chiefs may need to pursue a more established running back to bolster their offense. Maurice Jones-Drew, an NFL analyst, has identified New Orleans Saints veteran Alvin Kamara as a prime target. Kamara, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been noted for his pass-catching ability and could provide the Chiefs with a much-needed offensive weapon. His trade value may be lower due to the Saints' 0-3 start and potential rebuild, making him a viable option for Kansas City.

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Additionally, ESPN's Dan Graziano has mentioned Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars as another possible trade candidate. With the Jaguars potentially looking to clear space for younger players, Etienne, who has been productive early in the season, could be an attractive option for the Chiefs.

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While the Chiefs are actively seeking to improve their roster, some analysts caution against overcommitting to trades, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the Saints and Jaguars' seasons. There are concerns that acquiring a high-profile player like Kamara or Etienne could come at a steep price, potentially sacrificing valuable draft capital that could be used for future rebuilding efforts.

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Despite their rocky start, the Chiefs' management has indicated they are not throwing in the towel. Graziano noted, “The Chiefs won’t be throwing in the towel at any point despite their 1-2 start,” suggesting they will remain active in seeking trades to enhance their playoff prospects.

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As the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens, they will continue to evaluate their options on the trade market. The performance of their current running backs in the next few games will likely influence their decision-making as the trade deadline approaches. Meanwhile, the Saints will face the Buffalo Bills, and a poor performance could accelerate their decision to enter a fire sale, potentially making Kamara more available.

Newsweek

The Kansas City Chiefs are at a critical juncture in their season, and the upcoming trade deadline presents an opportunity to address their offensive shortcomings. With potential targets like Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. on the horizon, the Chiefs may look to make a significant move to bolster their backfield and enhance their chances of returning to playoff contention.

Newsweek