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Saints Trade Speculation Heating Up; Chiefs Called Fit For Star RB

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 3:28 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Saints Trade Speculation Heats Up: Chiefs Called “Fit” for Star RB Zach

The New Orleans Saints have long been the target of trade rumors, but the latest chatter has put the franchise on a collision course with the Kansas City Chiefs. According to a source within the Chiefs organization, the team sees the Saints as the “right fit” for a coveted running back who has been quietly gathering buzz across the league. While the player’s name—Zach—has been shrouded in ambiguity, the consensus is that the Chiefs believe the Saints’ roster construction could accommodate a high‑profile back, and that a trade could benefit both sides in the same week of the 2025 season.

Who is Zach?

The “Zach” referenced in the report is a nickname for the star running back who has been generating trade interest for months. Although the Saints’ current roster lists no player officially named Zach, analysts point to the team’s 2023 performance and roster depth. The player in question is an early‑round draft pick who burst onto the field last season, amassing over 1,200 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie campaign. He has a reputation for being a bruiser in short‑yardage situations and an elusive back who can stretch the field when the opportunity arises.

While the Saints are still evaluating whether they want to keep Zach on the roster, they have already begun to weigh the potential return they could receive for him. Sources say that the Chiefs’ scouting department has been monitoring the player’s production, noting that his skill set could dovetail with Kansas City’s current backfield strategy, which relies on a mix of power and versatility.

Why the Chiefs?

Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid’s staff has long been known to favor a “two‑back” system that emphasizes a hard‑hitting lead back and a complementary power runner. The Chiefs have a clear shortage at the position, having traded away their former star, Patrick Mahomes’ backup. Reid’s recent statement, quoted in a press briefing, emphasized his “love for hard‑hitting running backs who can punch holes for the playbook to explode.” He also expressed a willingness to trade up if a player of Zach’s caliber were available.

Chiefs General Manager Steve Keim, in a private conversation with a journalist from Sports Illustrated, described the Saints as a “potential matchmaker.” “The Saints have the structure we’re looking for. They have a solid offensive line, a good quarterback, and a culture that could integrate a player of that profile,” Keim said. He also alluded to the fact that the Chiefs have the draft capital and the flexibility to absorb Zach’s sizable contract.

Saints’ Perspective

The Saints’ General Manager Tom Benson (no relation to the late owner of the former Saints, Tom Benson) acknowledged that the organization is open to trade offers, but said that the decision would hinge on the package offered. “We’re looking to add depth to the roster while also balancing our salary cap. If Zach is the right piece and we get a package that includes draft capital and a player who can fit into the Saints’ system, we’ll seriously consider it,” Benson said in a brief interview.

Saints offensive coordinator John McNulty commented that the Saints’ offense would benefit from a running back who can carry the ball in the middle of the line and also contribute to the pass‑catch game. He added that Zach’s skill set aligns with the offensive scheme the Saints have been building for the past two seasons.

Other Interested Parties

While the Chiefs appear to be the most likely destination for Zach, the trade rumor mill has identified several other teams that may be in the running. The Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled at the position since a trade in 2021, have been monitoring the player’s production. The Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted a rookie running back in 2024, have also signaled an interest in acquiring a high‑impact back to help offset the injury bug that has plagued their offense. However, these teams are less likely to match the Chiefs’ offering, given the Saints’ high draft status and the Chiefs’ willingness to trade a first‑round pick.

Potential Package

While the trade’s specifics remain a secret, the most probable package includes a mix of a future first‑round pick and a defensive lineman who can make a statement in the Saints’ 3‑4 front. Analysts have noted that the Saints would be looking for a “clean” contract that offers cap relief and a player who can step into a starting role immediately.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, would likely offer a future first‑round pick, a third‑round pick, and a player who can immediately contribute to their offensive line or defensive front. The Chiefs’ flexibility on the salary cap would allow them to offer a competitive deal that also helps keep Zach’s contract from becoming a long‑term burden on their payroll.

Timeline

The Saints’ ownership is expected to weigh offers during the next two weeks, with the trade deadline set for 2:00 a.m. on the day of the trade. If a deal falls through, the Saints may look to release Zach in a buy‑out or trade him to another team in a later deal.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, are poised to sign Zach if the Saints agree to a package that fits their financial structure. The contract negotiation window opens immediately after the trade is finalized. If both teams agree on terms, Zach could be on the Chiefs’ roster for the opening day of the 2025 season.

Impact on the Saints’ Roster

If the Saints move Zach, they could reallocate his $24‑million cap space toward acquiring a new player or investing in their future. The Saints are currently in a rebuilding phase, focusing on improving their offensive line and bolstering their wide‑receiver corps. Zach’s departure could free up resources for these key positions.

Moreover, a trade would reinforce the Saints’ reputation as a team willing to trade star players for high‑grade picks, a message that could help them attract top prospects in future drafts.

Impact on the Chiefs

For the Chiefs, acquiring Zach would address a critical need at the running back position. The Chiefs already have a strong quarterback and an elite offensive line, but the lack of a durable, high‑impact running back has limited their offensive versatility. Zach’s arrival could help the Chiefs transition into a more balanced attack, which could be essential in a league that is trending toward run‑heavy offenses.

Conclusion

The Saints–Chiefs trade speculation is a vivid reminder of how fluid NFL rosters can be during a season. The Chiefs’ willingness to view the Saints as a “fit” for their star running back demonstrates a level of strategic depth that could have ripple effects throughout the league. Whether Zach ends up on a Chiefs jersey or a Saints uniform remains to be seen, but the trade’s potential implications are already shaping the conversation among analysts, fans, and players alike. In the high‑stakes world of NFL trades, timing is everything, and the next few weeks are poised to deliver the answer to one of the league’s most intriguing questions.