As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate the early part of the season with a struggling running game, speculation has begun swirling among fans about potential trades for New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara or Miami Dolphins standout Devon Achane. Both players are seen as significant upgrades that could enhance the Chiefs’ offensive explosiveness.
However, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid dampened those trade hopes with his comments following Kansas City’s impressive victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Reid emphasized the importance of consistency and chemistry within the existing players rather than making hasty adjustments. “If one guy is off, there’s a problem. The more these guys play together, it should improve as we go… just more game reps are important on that,” Reid stated.
Despite the desire from fans for a move, Reid’s commitment to developing the current roster indicates he won’t rush into making changes at the running back position. The Chiefs’ running game has been underwhelming, ranking 19th in the league with an average of 110.5 rushing yards per game over four games. In their latest performance against the Ravens, the team managed just 118 rushing yards, with Xavier Worthy leading the way with 38 yards—not an ideal scenario for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Isiah Pacheco showed some promise with 35 yards on seven carries, and Kareem Hunt contributed 34 yards on 13 attempts. However, the overall performance has left much to be desired, leading fans to dream of adding big-name talent to reinvigorate the backfield.
Kamara, in particular, stands out as a potential target if the Saints, currently struggling with an 0-4 record, decide to part ways with him. Similarly, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are both winless, and their running backs Breece Hall and Devon Achane could provide added playmaking ability to the Chiefs.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs face a formidable challenge in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who boast the fourth-best rushing defense thus far, allowing only 82.8 yards per game. This matchup could serve as a pivotal point for Reid to evaluate whether his current running backs are equipped to compete against top-tier defenses as the playoff picture begins to unfold.
Overall, while the Chiefs’ running game is in transition, Reid’s focus on nurturing existing talent could lead to gradual improvement, maintaining a sense of optimism for the team’s offensive evolution as the season progresses.