As Wednesday illustrated (on several occasions), this time on the NFL calendar often breeds trades. The countdown to final roster cuts continues, and further swaps could be coming soon as a result. 
Running back could be a position to watch on the trade front. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports the Saints, Browns and Chiefs have each been making calls about an addition at that spot. This comes at a time when Commanders back Brian Robinson is known to be available.
No specific suitors have been tied to Robinson yet, but any number of teams could show interest in the pending 2026 free agent. If any of New Orleans, Cleveland or Kansas City were to do so, a swap would become something to watch for in advance of Week 1. The three teams have varying needs regarding a backfield addition.
The Saints will once again have Alvin Kamara leading the way in 2025. A new deal signed last summer has the five-time Pro Bowler on the books for another two years, and $3MM of his base salary for next season is already guaranteed. Any new arrival would be viewed as a backup option amongst the likes of Kendre Miller and free agent additions Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
The Browns elected not to retain Nick Chubb this offseason, and he eventually joined the Texans on the open market. Cleveland’s backfield will once again involved Jerome Ford on a regular basis, and second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins is expected to be available during the regular season. Domestic violence charges were recently dropped against the Ohio State product, presumably paving the way for him to sign his rookie deal (although a league investigation is ongoing). Cleveland also has returnee Pierre Strong along with fourth-rounder Dylan Sampson in the backfield.
The Chiefs still have Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt atop their RB depth chart entering 2025. Pacheco was limited to seven regular season contests last year, and when on the field he averaged by far the lowest yards per carry average (3.7) of his three-year career. One season remains on Pacheco’s rookie contract, and Hunt is also a pending free agent. Kansas City added Elijah Mitchell in free agency on a one-year deal, so any trade could be aimed at adding a more permanent backfield presence. It is uncommon, however, for players with multiple years left on their contracts to be dealt at this time.
Each of New Orleans (roughly $20.5MM in cap space), Cleveland ($19MM) and Kansas City ($17MM) could easily afford a rental addition in the backfield. Over the coming days, it will be interesting to see if one of more of those teams executes a trade acquisition.
Robinson to the browns or chiefs makes sense
Maybe…hmmm…Stevenson to saints?
The Vikings might have a rb to trade.
Browns might as well just dig up OJ.
As a Browns fan I’m ready to move on from Judkins…..
Well, maybe Washington was smart to do this now, after all. Still seems like odd timing to me personally, but it might work out.
I really like New Orleans here fit-wise, but they just traded a fourth for Vele. Not sure that a second decent pick would go, especially because it looks like they’re still in the middle of a long rebuild. I could see Cleveland doing it, and their scheme fits Robinson as a power downhill runner. The Chiefs usually manage to get these types of trades done, and just picked an extra Day Three pick from Moore that could help add to the offer.
Draft a RB in the second round, RB is healthy, still need a RB to start.
Browns incompetence is becoming legendary.
Not to mention the fourth rounder they got has, from reports, been playing well.
If Audric Estime is as close to not making the Broncos roster as it looks, maybe one of these teams would want him for cheap.
Hopefully the Browns go get Damion Pierce from Houston
The Bills may end up cutting Frank Gore Jr. simply because the RB room is too crowded. I hope they at least find a trade partner rather than let him walk as he has clearly demonstarted he has some solid abilities over the past two years. We can hope he’ll resign to the practice squad, but surely other teams are watching…
I’m sure Gore would join his dad in San Francisco if he became available but you’re right that he has shown some useful versatility. I think the Bills would be wise to keep him on their roster.
Reckon making a trade verses waiting to pilfer the cutdown list provides a ‘choice’ instead of an auction buy. Yet think there will be viable options for teams that need backups to backups and special teamers.
Though cheers to any player that ‘makes’ a roster as that’s where dreams start.
Chargers might be willing to trade Hines or Sanders. They need o line help. Hines is probably the most logical. I think they keep Sanders because he was the highest paid udfa. Probably means they like him, and other teams were interested.
The Browns and Saints aren’t going to be running out the clock on anybody so why trade for a RB?