Chiefs, Browns, Saints Among Teams Reportedly 'Making Calls' About RB Trades

The New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs are all "making calls in search of running back additions," according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

This comes as teams inch closer toward the final roster deadline on Aug. 26. Smaller trades can be frequent during this period as general managers offload players who were on the bubble.

Russini reported Wednesday that the San Francisco 49ers were in the market for a wide receiver. Hours later, they lined up a deal to get Skyy Moore from Kansas City:

The Chiefs retained their top two backs, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, from last year but have some questions about their backfield. Pacheco missed 10 games, while Hunt turned 30 earlier this month. Kansas City also averaged the fourth-fewest yards per carry in 2024.

Since it appears the team isn't all that impressed with Elijah Mitchell, getting another ball-carrier to provide more depth makes sense.

The Browns probably didn't expect to chase another running back at this stage after taking both Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the 2025 NFL draft.

However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Cleveland may wait to officially sign Judkins until the NFL completes its investigation into his July arrest for misdemeanor battery. He remains the subject of a league inquiry despite prosecutors declining to pursue charges.

When it comes to the Saints, they still have five-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara, and he totaled 1,493 yards from scrimmage a season ago. His backup, Kendre Miller, has logged just 14 appearances between 2023 and 2024, though. Devin Neal, a sixth-round draft pick, has battled a hamstring injury as well.

None of the three teams Russini mentioned is in dire need of a running back. Instead, they could use some fine-tuning around the margins.