4 Chiefs Who Aren’t Safe After Surviving Trade Deadline

4. Carson Steele, RB

There's a decent chance that Carson Steele won't survive the remainder of the 2024 season in Kansas City.

The undrafted rookie running back has been one of the Chiefs' most unproductive offensive players this fall. The ex-UCLA runner has been unable to take advantage of the injuries plaguing the team's RB room, turning his 46 carries through nine games into an uninspiring 152 rushing yards without a touchdown.

That's without even mentioning his ball security issues, having already recorded three fumbles to date. Even though he hasn't lost the ball since Week 5, the fact that Steele is only averaging 3.5 touches per game since then suggests that the Chiefs are hesitant to give him more opportunities.

It'd at least be positive if Steele was a solid blocker, however, he's even struggling in that regard. He's currently playing to a pass block grade of 20.0, which is the worst among all Chiefs players — regardless of position — according to PFF.

Steele's outlook only looks worse as Kansas City's backfield becomes healthier. Isiah Pacheco is slated to return from the injured reserve this week while it won't be much longer before Clyde Edwards-Helaire makes his season debut, too.

With Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine also under contract, all signs point to the Chiefs releasing an RB or two in the coming weeks. If he can't figure out a way to highlight his value to the organization, Steele could find himself as the odd man out.

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