Reports: Chiefs trade DeAndré Washington for draft-pick upgrade

The Kansas City Chiefs are sending running back DeAndré Washington to the Miami Dolphins, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer says it’s Washington and a 2021 seventh-round pick for the Dolphins’ 2021 sixth-round pick. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero later added that the draft picks are conditional (for the picks to change hands, certain conditions, such as games played, carries, etc. need to be met).

The Chiefs signed Washington, 27, in free agency this offseason after he spent the first four years of his career as a member of the Raiders organization. At the time of Washington’s signing, it seemed like Patrick Mahomes’ former Texas Tech teammate might make a push to become Kansas City’s primary backup running back in 2020.

Then the Chiefs drafted Clyde-Edwards Helaire with their first-round pick — and even though Damien Williams opted out of the season, Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson were kept ahead of Washington on the initial 53-man roster.

Washington spent most of the season on the Chiefs’ practice squad before suiting up for Kansas City’s 43-16 win over the Denver Broncos. Washington had three rushes for five yards and a catch for two yards. That was his sole game.

With the Chiefs adding Le’Veon Bell a few weeks ago, they no longer had a need for a fifth running back; they were smart to get some value out of the signing. In his final hours as a free agent, Bell had considered the Chiefs and Dolphins. Now, Miami gets its running back help elsewhere.

With no player on the way back, the move leads a roster spot open for fullback Anthony Sherman — that is, if he is ready to return from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

The trade was made just before the 3 p.m. Arrowhead Time NFL trade deadline.