NFL Trade Machine: Ka’Deem Carey To San Diego Chargers

Melvin Gordon is the unquestioned starter for the San Diego Chargers at running back, but that position still took a major hit in the third preseason game.

Undersized but shifty and versatile Branden Oliver expected to be part of a three-back rotation in 2016 along with Danny Woodhead. Unfortunately his season never got off the ground. The 25-year old tore his Achilles against the Minnesota Vikings. It’s not a catastrophic loss, but given the importance of the run game and depth it’s going to be felt unless the Chargers move fast to do something about it.

Of course there’s a strong possibility they will way for final roster cuts over the next two weeks and see if they can find a replacement. Then again there is also the avenue of a trade. This time of year often sees several minor transactions between teams. San Francisco swapping Brandon Thomas for receiver Jeremy Kerley from Detroit is the latest example. There’s no reason to think the Chargers can’t do the same.

One name they might want to explore? Ka’Deem Carey.

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of a dilemma themselves. It seems they have a bit of a logjam at running back. Jeremy Langford is the unquestioned starter and Jordan Howard is their rookie 5th round pick. Those two should be locks for the roster. So the question becomes do they keep both Carey and veteran Jacquizz Rodgers or cut one? The coaches seem to like each of them and don’t want to let the other go for nothing. Perhaps their best solution is trading one and Carey makes the most sense given he’s younger (23-years old).

Carey is also no stranger to the west. He made his name out there with the University of Arizona and would be a welcome addition to the Chargers depth chart. He’s strong, tough and runs hard on every carry. He can be particularly effective in short yardage. It becomes a matter of what San Diego would need to give in return.

A player-for-player exchange would be preferable from their end. Chicago is hurting for help at tight end, offensive line, and cornerback. Barring any answers on that front, it’s likely a deal wouldn’t take anymore than a 6th round conditional pick to facilitate an exchange. It comes down to what the Bears have planned for Carey. If he’s already on his way out, then a trade becomes much more advantageous in terms of price for the Chargers.