3 Teams That Could Trade For Chiefs’ Ronald Jones

The Kansas City Chiefs could consider trading running back Ronald Jones II, according to a potential scenario presented by The Athletic’s Nate Taylor. Jones signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs earlier this offseason worth $1.5 million, per Spotrac. Jones joined a crowded running back room that already featured Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon, but the emergence of seventh-round rookie Isaih Pacheco, who’s enjoyed a fantastic training camp by all accounts, further complicates matters for Jones.

Jones isn’t guaranteed to make Kansas City’s initial 53-man roster. He’ll likely play a bunch throughout the preseason, including in Saturday’s exhibition opener against the Chicago Bears. Jones will be fighting to prove his worth to the Chiefs over the next several weeks while simultaneously auditioning for 31 other franchises.

If we’re going to play the hypothetical game, here are three teams that could pursue a trade for Jones.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Raiders played presumed starting running back Josh Jacobs extensively during their first preseason contest. Kenyan Drake also featured deep into the second half. Both are running backs the current Raiders regime inherited and didn’t bring in themselves. It indicates that general manager Dave Ziegler isn’t thrilled with the top half of his ball-carrying depth chart. Changes could be coming to the Raiders’ running back room before Week 1 marks its arrival.

Fourth-round rookie Zamir White may end up being the Raiders’ lead back before the dust settles on the 2022 season. White was excellent in Thursday’s Hall of Fame game, carrying the ball on 11 occasions for a team-high 52 rushing yards. Former New England Patriot Brandon Bolden is also in the mix as a pass-catching back. Should Jacobs and/or Drake be released or traded, Jones may qualify as an intriguing buy-low replacement.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

A legal situation surrounding Alvin Kamara continues to play out. Kamara was arrested and booked for battery resulting in substantial bodily harm after an alleged incident took place at a nightclub on Feb. 6 following the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas. A lengthy suspension could arrive if the league determines Kamara violated their personal conduct policy.

Kamara’s next court hearing is currently scheduled for Sept. 29. A scenario where Kamara plays the entire season is beginning to emerge as possible, with additional hearings and legal proceedings potentially delaying the league’s decision until 2023. The situation remains fluid and ever-changing, however, and the Saints should be prepared for literally any and all outcomes.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has shown interest in several veteran running backs this summer, including Sony Michel and David Johnson. Jones wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Kamara given their different approaches, but adding Jones would give the Saints a reliable between-the-tackles runner. Their current running back room isn’t good enough to survive Kamara’s potential absence.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles led the league in rushing last season, averaging 159.7 yards via the ground game per contest. Jalen Hurts is a dual-threat starting quarterback and head coach Nick Sirianni is likely to field a run-heavy offense for the second consecutive season. The Eagles are constantly searching for ways to evolve their rushing attack. General manager Howie Roseman will keep his eyes peeled for potential trade candidates throughout the preseason.

The Eagles officially signed free-agent running back DeAndre Torrey on Thursday, proving they continue to monitor the RB market. Reinforcements were required ahead of Friday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets because Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell continue to nurse injuries. Should their unavailability carry over into the regular season, the Eagles will likely see a need to make a bigger splash at the position. 

Local members of the Philadelphia media continue to speculate over the possibility of them trading for a running back. Jones would make sense.