Knile Davis Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation Surrounding Chiefs RB

The Kansas City Chiefs are working on a trade involving running back Knile Davis, according to multiple reports.

Continue for updates.

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Davis on Trading Block

Wednesday, April 27

Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported the Chiefs are "shopping" Davis.

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole initially reported the Chiefs were working on a trade involving Davis on March 31.

On March 31, Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star confirmed Cole's report and indicated the team has been working on a trade for "a few weeks."

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported the Miami Dolphins had talked to the Chiefs about a potential trade for a running back, and with Davis on the block, he was likely the one discussed.

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Davis Struggled to Perform in Chiefs' Loaded Backfield

Davis ran for only 72 yards on 28 carries last season and was surpassed on the depth chart by Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware.

The Chiefs lent further credence to the Davis trade rumors when they signed West and Ware to new contracts.

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

Even when Jamaal Charles went down with a torn ACL in 2015, Davis hardly saw any time in the Chiefs' backfield. The 24-year-old was passed over in favor of his 2013 draft classmate in Ware, a sixth-round pick, and a former undrafted free agent in West.

Boasting a nice blend of strength and speed, it's rather surprising how unproductive Davis has been as a ball-carrier. At least the former third-round pick doesn't have much mileage with 232 career carries—albeit with a paltry 3.3-yard average per tote.

What does help Davis' value is that he has flashed nicely as a kickoff returner, a role he's filled for Kansas City since his rookie year. He took a kickoff to paydirt in each of his first two years as a pro and did so again to start the most recent NFL playoffs against the Houston Texans.

But it is rather discouraging that he wasn't ready to step up when Charles went down, suggesting Davis may not have put the work in he should have with a clear No. 1 back ahead of him.

If Davis does live up to his potential, a trade suitor may well get some good value out of him in 2016. He is entering a contract year, which provides plenty of incentive for him to work toward his best season yet.

Especially if he's traded, Davis ought to have a chip on his shoulder to prove himself after being further relegated on the bench this past season.