The New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs head into the 2024 season with significantly different expectations, which might prompt a Kendre Miller trade. A third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the TCU product had the potential to be Alvin Kamara’s successor. Unfortunately, injuries restricted him to just 41 rushing attempts for 156 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and one touchdown. His ongoing injury struggles during training camp led to Dennis Allen expressing frustration about his ability to make the team.
Although Miller technically made the 53-man roster, a trade seems likely. Currently on short-term injured reserve, a new environment could benefit both parties. As noted by Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, the Saints might trade the former third-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Saints, Chiefs Could Agree to Kendre Miller Trade
Bleacher Report suggests that a Kendre Miller trade could be beneficial, given Kansas City’s need to create a more complete offense as they aim to be the first team to win three Super Bowls in consecutive seasons. While Isiah Pacheco is a strong early-down runner and Samaje Perine offers some potential as a pass-catching option, the rest of the backfield lacks proven players. Carson Steele, an undrafted free agent, performed well in the preseason, but preseason success doesn’t always carry over into the regular season, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire is expected to play a minimal role.
Although Kendre Miller isn’t a proven talent, he could introduce valuable competition to the backfield. While Perine was a decent change-of-pace option, his inability to maintain a spot with the Denver Broncos raises concerns. Miller is expected to be more of an early-down runner, so the Chiefs might see him as insurance if Steele isn’t ready for the regular season. Pacheco is the clear starter, but Kansas City needs to address their depth issues before they become a bigger concern.
Will the Saints Give Up?
Although Dennis Allen isn’t particularly fond of Kendre Miller, the question remains: will New Orleans trade their third-round pick for such a minimal return? Currently, the Saints have Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, and 2023 undrafted free agent Jordan Mims on the active roster. They attempted to add running back/return specialist Kene Nwangwu, but he failed his physical.
While Kamara may not be at his peak, he remains an above-average starter. Although there are indications he could be traded, it seems likely he will stay for now. Jamaal Williams struggled in his first season with the Saints, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry and scoring one touchdown. However, cutting him wouldn’t save any money, so the team might choose to keep him.
Jordan Mims is the wildcard in this scenario. If he performs well while Miller is on injured reserve, the Saints could justify a trade. Conversely, if Mims struggles in the RB3 role, Miller may remain on the roster for another season.
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