Chiefs officials reportedly nearly acquired Hall at the midseason deadline but balked over whether he was worth a third- or fourth-round pick, a decision that underscores KC’s budgeting priorities. With a projected $41.6 million price tag on a four-year deal for Hall and a looming $62.4 million salary-cap deficit in 2026, Kansas City is likely to allocate scarce cap space to the defensive line, offensive line, secondary, and pass-catching options instead of a massive RB deal.
Swift posted a career-best 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing TDs this season while adding 34 catches for 299 receiving yards. He is entering the third season of a three-year, $24 million contract, but restructuring or trading him would save the Bears roughly $7.5 million against the cap next year, a potential catalyst for a Bears run at a different back or a different offensive approach.
The Chiefs’ draft strategy could involve Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love, who is projected by many to go No. 8 overall to the New Orleans Saints, potentially pushing KC to trade up to No. 9. Love ranked highly in college with elite rushing grades and explosive runs, but the cost to leapfrog the Saints remains uncertain and could influence whether Kansas City invests in a long-term back or targets other positions in the draft.
Analysts have also linked the Bears to Etienne or Hall as potential fits for their offense, and Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III could emerge as a free-agent target if he doesn’t extend with the Seahawks. Chicago’s cap-saving move by moving Swift could be part of a broader reset under Head Coach Matt Eberflus, particularly if they aim to pair a more athletic back with Kyle Monangai in a run-first system.
For Kansas City, the most pragmatic route may be bringing in Swift for one season at a base around $6.4 million, providing an immediate upgrade over Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt without committing long-term capital. If Love can be secured in the draft, KC could pivot to other needs and pursue a longer-term solution later, but a Swift-plus-brief-patron approach remains a compelling bridge.
In short, the Chiefs may best navigate their RB gap by leveraging a Swift trade as a cost-effective bridge, preserving draft capital for a potential Love target and enabling cap reallocation to higher-priority areas. The strategy would balance immediate production with long-term flexibility, aligning with KC’s cap realities and the evolving landscape of NFL running backs.
