After having somewhat of a breakout 2025 campaign, the Los Angeles Chargers could trade RB Kimani Vidal, and it might come during the 2026 NFL Draft. According to a source, it’s predicted that the Chargers would be willing to trade Vidal, especially after signing Keaton Mitchell this offseason to provide some explosiveness behind RB1 Omarion Hampton. The team entered the regular season last year with veteran Najee Harris as the No. 1 back, but after sustaining a season-ending injury, Hampton and Vidal shared the field for the majority of the campaign. While Hampton missed a couple of matchups, Vidal stepped in and was able to hold together the entire running unit, hauling in 779 scrimmage yards and averaging 4.6 yards per touch in 13 games.
However, with Mike McDaniel now as the offensive play-caller, Vidal doesn’t make sense in what McDaniel could build for the offense. The Chargers should be in good shape without Vidal, and he could bring in decent capital for a team that needs to rebuild the offensive line. Selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Troy product is a decent downhill runner in a backup role.
He should be able to attract plenty of interest, given his rookie contract, which wouldn’t be an issue as far as cap space.
Chargers Likely to Hear Trade Offers for 2025 Breakout Playmaker Kimani Vidal
Despite signing a new deal this week, it doesn’t mean the Chargers will keep him. The team will still hear offers, especially during the 2026 regular season. If John Harbaugh and the offense feel good about the running game between Hampton and Mitchell, then it might be time for the two to part ways.
For the sake of this article, here are three teams that could offer for Vidal, and the Chargers might be open to listening.
Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
Even though Dallas signed breakout star Javonte Williams to a long-term deal, the Cowboys could use a strong, physical backup. 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue has shown some promise, but he isn’t ready for a full-time backup role. Malik Davis is currently the backup, and the Cowboys could benefit from trading for Vidal to overhaul the running back unit completely behind Williams. Vidal won’t take starting reps from Williams, but they’d be an elite 1-2 punch for an offense that is slowly turning from good to dynamic with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in the lineup.
Indianapolis Colts
The spotlight for the Colts has been the quarterback situation. With the team committing to Daniel Jones for at least two more seasons, the Colts should continue to surround him with more playmakers. After trading Michael Pittman Jr., the team lacks slot receivers, with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs as its top pass-catchers. The good news is that Vidal can serve as a receiving back.
He doesn’t need reps as a runner, but the Colts could get him involved creatively and create some shine in screens and play-action plays.
Chicago Bears
Meanwhile, the Bears are expected to trade D’Andre Swift after he’s been in several rumors for the past season. Kyle Monangai has shown explosiveness as a potential starter, but it might be better to bring in another running back to build behind Caleb Williams. Vidal is still special enough to be an RB1, so he could battle it out with Monangai for the starting role.
