The Kansas City Chiefs' need for a running back isn't new. They entered the season with some questions at the position, and after six weeks, it's become painfully evident that they could use more help in their backfield.
Neither Isiah Pacheco nor Kareem Hunt has been explosive or efficient, and rookie Brashard Smith hasn't gotten a major role. Fortunately for the Chiefs, help could be on the way. According to a report by Dan Graziano of ESPN, they could be in the mix for Breece Hall.
Chiefs Among Teams Insterested in Breece Hall
"The name that comes up most is the Jets' Breece Hall. He's 24 years old and in the final year of his contract, and the Jets have made no move to sign him long term," Graziano wrote. "So, there are plenty of reasons Hall might not be in the Jets' long-range plans, and they could be open to a nice offer. Teams I expect to have interest in acquiring a running back ahead of the deadline include, but are not limited to, the Chiefs, Texans and Chargers."
Hall has been New York's workhorse for years now. But they've fallen to 0-6 and are unlikely to make the playoffs. Also, with their plethora of running backs, they might not want to spend big bucks to keep Hall around, given that he suffered a major injury as a rookie.
Despite his team's offensive shortcomings and negative game script, the former second-round pick has still been quite solid this season, turning 88 carries into 410 rushing yards while hauling in 17 receptions on 24 targets for 150 yards.
He has more rushing yards than the Chiefs' two primary ballcarriers combined (Pacheco has 214 and Hunt has 187). So far, Patrick Mahomes has led the team in rushing yards (222), yards per carry (5.8), and rushing yards per game (37.0), and while he's more than capable of making plays with his legs, that's not sustainable or what the coaching staff wants to see out of its franchise QB.
The Chiefs would average roughly 70 rushing yards per game if it weren't for Mahomes' production on the ground, so they clearly need a true workhorse there. Hall is eligible for a contract extension, making him a potential long-term solution for this team.
The trade deadline is still a couple of weeks away, and Chiefs GM Brett Veach can't afford to miss on the chance to bolster the running game with a reliable tackle-breaker who's averaging 4.7 yards per carry.