1:53pm: Former Saints running back Pierre Thomas is also auditioning for the Chiefs, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Although Kansas City is taking a look at some veteran backs, head coach Andy Reid said today that the Chiefs intend to look in-house first before addressing the running back position via free agency.
11:03am: With Jamaal Charles potentially lost for the year with an ACL injury, the Chiefs are bringing in another veteran running back, Ben Tate, for a workout on Tuesday, reports Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the team also takes a look at a few more free agent backs during Tuesday’s session, though Tate is the only name we know for now.
Tate, 27, was viewed as a possible breakout candidate heading into the 2014 season, as he finally stepped out from Arian Foster‘s shadow after spending four years as the backup in Houston. However, after signing with the Browns, Tate underwhelmed, and was eclipsed on Cleveland’s depth charts by rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.
The Browns opted to part ways with Tate last November, at which point three teams put in claims for the running back, with the Vikings landing him. Tate wasn’t any more impressive for Minnesota though, and was cut by the club before Week 17.
The former Auburn standout received one more opportunity in the postseason, signing with the Steelers and seeing five carries in Pittsburgh’s Wild Card loss to the Ravens. Since his contract with Pittsburgh expired, Tate has worked out for the Cowboys and Lions, but hasn’t found a new NFL home.
With Charles out, Knile Davis and Charcandrick West are expected to vie for carries in Kansas City. Still, it makes sense that the Chiefs would want to add at least one more back to the mix, especially with Charles likely headed to the injured reserve list, opening up a roster spot.
Tate would obviously be grateful for a gig, but it’s doubtful he’ll be too keen to sit behind lower-profile backs who each know the system. And do so behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. If he couldn’t excel in Cleveland behind Thomas, Mack and Co., it’d be a minimal-impact scenario in Kansas City.
Now, this would make some more sense, with Thomas having a clear skill (in the passing game) that separates him from the less-experienced in-house options. I was surprised he went without a job throughout the offseason.