Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, Chiefs Agree to New Contracts

The Kansas City Chiefs signed running backs Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West to contract extensions Thursday, general manager John Dorsey announced.

“Charcandrick and Spencer both stepped in and were very effective for us offensively last year,” Dorsey said, per BJ Kissel of the team's official website. “These guys have different styles and abilities, and together they provide us quality depth at the running back position.”

Both lightly touted backs coming out of college, Ware and West kept the Chiefs' running game afloat last season following a knee injury to starter Jamaal Charles. West, a former undrafted free agent out of Abilene Christian, led the team with 634 rushing yards. Ware, a 2013 sixth-round pick who linked up with the Chiefs after being released by the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, had a team-high six touchdowns.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Ware's contract is for two years. The financial terms are dependent on incentives, featuring a base value of $3.6 million and a potential value of up to $9.6 million. Rapoport added West's deal was identical to Ware's. 

With Charles under contract for two more years, the Chiefs' running back situation appears set. It will almost certainly mean the end of Knile Davis' time in Kansas City. Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported the team was floating Davis on the block in advance of April's draft.

Davis has served as Charles' primary backup since being taken in the third round in 2013 but fell out of favor for the more effective West-Ware pair. The Arkansas product has rushed for just 777 yards on an average of 3.3 yards per carry over his first three seasons. While still young (24), it's unlikely the Chiefs get much more than a conditional pick in exchange.

As it stands, one has to wonder if the Chiefs would also consider trading Charles. The Kansas City mainstay remains one of the NFL's best running backs, but he turns 30 in December. With Ware and West both showing promise, floating Charles—and his relatively cheap contract—might be worthwhile. If they could get a second- or third-round pick in exchange, it's something Andy Reid and Co. should consider.

Given the huge incentives in Ware's contact, it's clear his representation believes the opportunity will be there. 

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