Chiefs trade for Cardinals fullback Anthony Sherman

The Kansas City Chiefs have added another player to the backfield with the announcement of a trade for Arizona Cardinals fullback Anthony Sherman. Adam Caplan reported the rumor, and the Star's Adam Teicher confirmed the news that brings an interesting emphasis on the fullback position in recent days.

Sherman is a 24-year-old fullback selected by the Cards in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played in 29 games the last two years after playing collegiately at Central Connecticut State. He was a small school find for the Cardinals under former head coach Ken Whisenhunt, but the Cardinals have clearly moved on in their offensive philosophy.

Recently Bruce Arians, the team's new head coach, inferred that the Cardinals could do without Sherman's services given the lack of emphasis on the fullback position. This set up the possibility of a trade, and the Chiefs clearly saw an opportunity to grab a player who was a poor fit given the new scheme in Arizona.

Tyler Nickel from Revenge of the Birds notes Sherman's ability to provide help on special teams and the offense:

He was made a captain in that phase last year due to how hard he plays on kickoffs and punts. He is always a leading tackler and is unafraid to throw his body into the wreckage.

Sherman also has the ability to catch the ball coming out of the backfield. I could see Arians lining Sherman up as a tight end from time to time even if he isn't very tall. He still catches the ball well and can confuse defenses.

It's an interesting move for the Chiefs given their attention to fullback with the recent addition of sixth round choice Braden Wilson from Kansas State in the recent NFL Draft.