KC Chiefs: Five trade deadline targets for the offense

Marlon Mack, RB

One player who will almost certainly be dealt by Tuesday’s deadline is Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack. The 6-foot, 210-lb. bruiser from South Florida racked up 132 yards on 29 carries the last time he graced the field at Arrowhead in 2019, when the Colts surprised the Chiefs in Week 5. Since then, Mack has fallen from grace in the eyes of his coaching staff. Still just 25 years old, Mack has only eclipsed 20 carries one time since that game in Kansas City two years ago, and has only topped 100 yards once since then, as well.

The Chiefs’ decision (or lack thereof) to move for a running back would tell us a lot about how the team feels about underwhelming second-year back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is currently on injured reserve. Mack was drafted under the Chuck Pagano regime in Indianapolis, and it is clear that the current coaching staff is ready to move on. Second-year starting running back Jonathan Taylor receives the lion’s share of touches in Frank Reich’s offense, while backup Nyheim Hines recently received a contract extension. Mack has been on the field for just 58 snaps in 2021, garnering just 28 touches.

With the Chiefs, Mack would have a fresh start. If his season-ending Achilles tear from September of 2020 has fully healed, Mack would contest Darrel Williams for snaps before December. However, wasn’t Le’Veon Bell supposed to do the same in 2020?

Projected Compensation

If former Chiefs exec Chris Ballard can get a 7th round pick for him in 2022, he’ll likely pull the trigger.