Insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and Kansas City Chiefs are “making calls in search of running back additions” to fine-tune their backfields ahead of the 2025 season. While none of these teams are in desperate need of a ball-carrier, adding depth has become a priority.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints enter the season with five-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara as their primary offensive weapon. However, concerns about Kamara’s wear-and-tear and the health of backup Kendre Miller, who has struggled to stay on the field in his first two seasons, have prompted New Orleans to explore running back options. Devin Neal, a sixth-round draft pick, has battled injuries, and Taysom Hill remains sidelined with a knee injury, limiting versatility in the backfield. The Saints could look to add a veteran or high-upside running back to provide insurance behind Kamara as the season approaches.
I think people forget how good Alvin Kamara is 🔥
— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) August 11, 2025
Via- @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/w6tLwenMKN
Cleveland Browns
The Browns face uncertainty at the position with rookie Quinshon Judkins still unsigned amid an ongoing league investigation. While Cleveland drafted Judkins and Dylan Sampson, neither is immediately available to contribute, leaving Jerome Ford and Sampson as the primary options. The Browns’ running game has struggled over the past two seasons, and adding a proven back could stabilize the offense. With roster cutdowns looming, Cleveland may pursue a trade to strengthen their backfield depth.
Sources: Teams making calls in search of running back additions include the Saints, Browns and Chiefs.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 21, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs retained starters Isiah Pacheco and veteran Kareem Hunt from last season, but questions remain about their backfield depth. Pacheco missed ten games in 2024, and Hunt, now 30, is largely a short-yardage specialist. Rookie Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell have yet to prove themselves, while new addition Michael Wiley provides insurance but not star power. Kansas City is exploring trade options to bolster its running back rotation, seeking a player capable of producing consistent yardage and relieving pressure on the starters.
Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
.jpg)
