Three running backs Chiefs could target in trades

Over the past two weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs offense has been underwhelming, averaging 19 points per game.

There are several factors contributing to Kansas City's offensive woes, including a nonexistent passing attack without standout wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. But the most alarming issue with this offense is the lack of a serviceable rushing attack.

Rice and Worthy will return to the lineup this season, which will elevate the passing offense. However, the Chiefs have no alternative options on the roster to replace running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.

Pacheco and Hunt have combined for 94 yards on 28 attempts across the first two games of the season, averaging below four yards per carry. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes is the team's leading rusher with 123 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 13 attempts.

This problem will not be resolved through trial and error. Kansas City needs to address this situation by acquiring a running back via trade at some point this season. The Chiefs may wait and attempt to survive until Rice's return from suspension to make a move. Nonetheless, a drastic move has to be orchestrated at some point in the coming weeks.

With all that in mind, which running backs could the Chiefs pursue in a trade?

Alvin Kamara

The New Orleans Saints have wrongly viewed themselves as a "competitive" team for the last few seasons. That thought process was apparent when the Saints signed Kamara to a two-year, $24.5M extension last October. Signing Kamara to a contract extension made little to no sense based on the fact that he is 30 years old on a rebuilding roster.

So far this season, Kamara has 144 rushing yards on 32 carries (4.5 yards per attempt) and one rushing touchdown. In addition, the eight-year veteran has eight receptions for 33 yards.

It is evident that New Orleans is going nowhere in 2025, and Kamara should be traded this season. Although he would most likely be a one-year rental, his skillset and ability to play all three downs should be more than attractive to the Chiefs. 

Breece Hall

Hall hinted earlier this offseason that he could be playing his final season for the New York Jets. The 24-year-old running back is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the fact that the Jets have yet to sign him to an extension is a telling sign that the two sides are headed toward a divorce.

It would be hard to imagine Kansas City handing Hall an extension, but the Chiefs can offer the former 2022 second-round pick an opportunity to win and play in meaningful football games.

Trading for a young, explosive running back like Hall would finally supply Kansas City with a threat who can break long plays on a consistent basis.

Travis Etienne Jr.

The former 2021 first-round pick is also entering his final year on his rookie deal and was involved in trade rumors this past offseason.

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of Week 2. That move may make it seem like Etienne Jr.'s place in Jacksonville is safe for the rest of the season.

However, this regime did not draft the former Clemson running back. The Jaguars did select Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round of the 2025 draft.

If Jacksonville is a middling team by the halfway point of the season, do not be surprised if the front office explores trading the 26-year-old running back. His elusiveness and ability to catch out of the backfield are features of Etienne Jr.'s game that could be maximized in Kansas City's offense.