Kansas City, MO – April 12, 2025, 05:39 AM PDT
The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move in 2022 by trading for running back Kareem Hunt, hoping to bolster their ground game for a Super Bowl run.
That move fell short as Hunt struggled with consistency, but an analyst believes the Chiefs could target another star running back: Buffalo Bills’ James Cook, who has sparked trade rumors.
Cook, 25, is in the final year of his rookie contract, and after a cryptic “I need a job” Instagram Live post, Jarrett Bailey of The Sporting News named the Chiefs as a contender.
The Chiefs, who lost to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, could see Cook, with his 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024, as the key to overcoming AFC rivals.
Bailey wrote, “The Chiefs need a dynamic running back to complement Patrick Mahomes, and Cook could be the piece to get them past the Bills and back to the Super Bowl.”
The Chiefs recently added depth with running back Samaje Perine in free agency, but with Isiah Pacheco’s inconsistent play, they might pursue Cook before the trade deadline.
Chiefs Could Boost Backfield in the NFL Draft
The Chiefs may not wait for Cook’s trade status, as their backfield needs immediate help after losing Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who signed with the Saints in free agency.
NFL insider Jordan Reid suggests the Chiefs could target running backs in the 2025 draft, noting the class’s depth with talents like Ollie Gordon IV and Ashton Jeanty.
