The Packers have a need at running back. The Chiefs have more running backs than they can play. And so a trade makes sense for both teams.
And that’s just what has happened, as the Chiefs have traded running back Knile Davis to Green Bay, reportedly for a conditional late-round draft pick.
With Jamaal Charles now healthy and Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West both strong options as well, the Chiefs didn’t have much room for Davis, their 2013 third-round draft pick. He had just one carry this season, and he was a candidate to get released.
But the Chiefs got something for him, so that’s a positive. For the Packers, who are down to Eddie Lacy as their only remaining running back as James Starks recovers from surgery, a late-round pick is a reasonable price to pay for a running back who can contribute anything at all.
Davis, who has been effective as a receiver out of the backfield, should be a decent complement to Lacy. Davis has also been a good kickoff returner, with a career average of 27.2 yards and two touchdowns, and the Packers may use him there as well.
The Packers think Davis can be effective in Green Bay, and he’ll almost certainly get more playing time than he was getting in Kansas City. Perhaps as soon as Thursday night against the Bears.