This is a trade that truthfully could get done sooner rather than later. The Chicago Bears seemed to be among the teams initially interested in acquiring Le’Veon Bell last week, but missed out (obviously) when Bell signed with KC.
Now the Chiefs have a surplus of running backs and will likely need to eliminate one prior to adding Bell to the roster this week. Trading Darwin Thompson makes the most sense – he’s a buy low candidate for another team in need of a spark, and still only a second year player so he’s highly likely to receive another chance in the NFL, even if Kansas City cuts him.
To say that the Bears are flush with talent along the offensive line would be a stretch. Their offensive line isn’t great. But, guard Rashaad Coward is a young, talented reserve player who could prove valuable for Kansas City, especially if Martinas Rankin is unable to return soon from injury. To be honest, one could insert any offensive lineman from the Bears active roster here and it would be a win for Kansas City. It would increase depth and also give the Chiefs something that Veach often gets – an asset in exchange for a player they were going to cut anyway.
Perhaps Chicago wants to part with a cornerback, or a linebacker, or a draft pick here instead of Coward. Whatever the case, Kansas City should jump at the opportunity to receive something for Thompson, who they really believed in when they used their 2019 6th round pick on him. Now, it seems that they’re ready to move on.
Maybe Kansas City decides to move another running back here – De’Andre Washington is still on the practice squad and could be enticing; Darrell Williams is a bit of an irrelevant piece now as Bell is likely to take over the pass blocking and third down/short yardage role.
It doesn’t really matter what pieces here – Chicago needs a running back, the Chiefs need to get rid of a running back, and Matt Nagy obviously has a relationship with Andy Reid. This may make too much sense not to get done.