Kansas City Chiefs: Running backs will have larger role in 2018

Charcandrick West

Charcandrick West came to Kansas City as an undrafted free agent and has played as a role player the last three seasons with the Chiefs. Last season West found most of his time on third downs in pass protection. He’s an exceptional blocker in the backfield who can also role out and catch a pass. Unfortunately, it seems that West will likely not make the roster in 2018.

If the Chiefs are wanting to run more two running back sets, it defeats the purpose of keeping West around solely for his blocking. There are plenty of running backs that are versatile enough to catch passes and block in the backfield while also contributing in the rushing attack. Most of his playing time came in 2015 when Jamaal Charles went down with an injury. In 2016, Ware took over as the lead back, and West saw his touches slowly decline.

In the last two seasons, West has caught 75 passes for 552 yards and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 3.8 yards per carry during his time in Kansas City is likely what will get him pushed out for younger talent this coming season. It’s shown that the Chiefs don’t utilize him as a rusher with only running the ball 18 times all of last season while being the primary backup to a rookie. He’s combined for 365 yards over the past two seasons.

I believe that the only way West will make this roster is if Ware doesn’t due to injury. Kansas City will save $1.7 million by cutting West which they can use to sign one of the younger backs.