Much has been discussed about the Kansas City Chiefs' lackluster running game. Without a game-breaker in the backfield next to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are heavily dependent upon their star quarterback on the ground as well as through the air. Through four games, Mahomes leads the team in rushing yards with 130.
Some common names that have been discussed in potential trades with other teams include Alvin Kamara of the Saints, Breece Hall of the Jets, and Tony Pollard of the Titans. Another name Chiefs fans will be familiar with is De'Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins. Achane, a third-year back out of Texas A&M, racked up an impressive 1,499 total yards from scrimmage last season and would be a massive upgrade in the Kansas City offense.
What about a rare player-for-player swap between K.C. and Miami?
But with another year left on his rookie contract after this season, Achane will come at a hefty price, likely a top-100 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Brett Veach is not above making that kind of trade, but the Dolphins might be willing to part with another young running back instead. In 2024, the Dolphins took a swing in the fourth round on a running back from Tennessee.
At 5'10" and 210 pounds, the Dolphins' 22-year-old Jaylen Wright is a little bigger than Achane, and he also has two and a half years left on his contract. Wright tested at or near the very top in every pre-draft athletic metric, and his tantalizing combine numbers cannot be ignored. He boasts an 11-foot-2 broad jump, a 38-inch vertical leap, and a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, and he will remind NFL fans of former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon. Stuck behind Achane on the Dolphins' 2024 depth chart, Wright managed just 249 rushing yards. He just needs the opportunity to prove himself; that opportunity may come to fruition in Kansas City.
The Chiefs could land Wright at a fraction of the cost it would take to acquire Achane, and after Monday night's injury to star receiver Tyreek Hill, that compensation might not even have to be a draft pick. Rashee Rice will make his return to the Chiefs in just two weeks, and the team will suddenly have a logjam at wide receiver. With Rice and Xavier Worthy getting the lion's share of targets in Andy Reid's offense, the Chiefs might be able to move another player—such as Tyquan Thornton or JuJu Smith-Schuster (along with a late-round pick swap)—to acquire Wright. Another name to consider is Hollywood Brown, who is playing on a one-year deal in Kansas City.
Perhaps the best news is that the Chiefs have options—whether through draft picks or available players—to make the necessary moves before the trade deadline.