New Details Reveal How The Kansas City Chiefs Nearly Pulled Off Blockbuster Trade For Superstar Running Back At The Deadline

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ running game struggled mightily during the 2025 NFL season. The AFC West franchise ranked 25th in rushing yards (1,812), 22nd in yards per carry (4.2), last in 20-plus yard carries (three) and last with 40-plus yard carries (zero).

Kareem Hunt led them in carries (163), yards (611) and touchdowns (eight), but it wasn’t enough for a team that posted a 6-11 record. The Chiefs’ offense looked stagnant at times, and they plan to turn things around with Eric Bieniemy’s return and the addition of a couple of pieces.

New York Jets star Breece Hall was mentioned as a potential target for the Chiefs. According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, they were close to landing him before the deadline struck.

“Ahead of the league’s trade deadline in November, the Chiefs were close to acquiring Hall,” Taylor wrote. “But the deal between the Chiefs and Jets was never made. The Jets wanted a 2026 third-round pick. A source with knowledge of the negotiations said the Chiefs declined in part because they felt they could attract Hall to Kansas City if he was available in free agency.”

Kansas City Chiefs Could Land Super Bowl MVP RB In Free Agency

Hall is not expected to reach free agency. The Jets plan to keep him either with a new contract or with a tag. Taylor said that the Chiefs will try to upgrade the position and named three players who might lead the race.

“The top candidates appear to be Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks), Travis Etienne Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Tyler Allgeier (Atlanta Falcons),” Taylor noted.

Walker comes off the best season of his career. He demolished opponents to lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, earning MVP honors in the big game. Etienne went from worst to best with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Allegier appears to be the most likely option for the Chiefs.

He plays behind Bijan Robinson, one of the best players in his position. Perhaps a change of scenery can benefit him and give the Chiefs a true RB1.