Despite having a decent 2025 campaign as a fill-in for RB Omarion Hampton, a Kimani Vidal trade could be possible after the Los Angeles Chargers overhauled its offense and ground game. The team signed Keaton Mitchell to add some extra speed that would fit into the new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s new scheme. There’s a chance that Vidal could be the “odd man out” in this situation if this new offense works for Mitchell and Hampton this upcoming season. Although the future is still bright for the former sixth-round pick, he might not have a huge role after the 2026 season.
“Despite his contributions in the previous season, Vidal could drop to No. 3 on the depth chart if Mitchell flashes his pre-ACL-injury quickness,” Moe Moton of Bleacher Report said. “If Vidal falls out of favor in McDaniel’s offense, the Chargers may look to deal him to a team that needs to bolster its backfield committee.”
At the same time, nobody should believe that the Chargers would trade Vidal. He’s proven that he can be reliable, and it would be hard to replace him after just two seasons in the league. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh joined the Chargers a few years ago and selected the RB for the sole reason of winning football games with a strong run game.
Kimani Vidal Trade: Chargers Face Tough $9M Dilemma
However, that could change when McDaniel takes the lead. Vidal shouldn’t have any worries, though, since Mitchell hasn’t proved that he can stay healthy. The same can be said about Hampton, who started just nine games last year. Unless a miracle and a breakout season come from Hampton and Mitchell at the same time, they shouldn’t move the former 2024 draft selection.
Although no one should rule out the fact that he could get pricey come contract negotiations, the Chargers won’t have to worry about that anytime soon, but the team has been reluctant to sign superstars to at least boost their pass-attack and defense. One can argue that the team could be the same way with their RB. They still believe in Hampton, and if Mitchell has a decent season, they could use Vidal as a trade chip at the right price.
Possible Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
Earlier this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys solidified their running back unit, signing Javonte Williams to an extension. However, their depth is a concern heading into the 2026 season. The team didn’t draft one RB, and that means Malik Davis and Jaydon Blue could battle for the backup job. Nobody should forget about Phil Mafah, who’s been like a dash in a pan. Blue hasn’t had much of an opportunity in this run game until the final matchups of the 2025 campaign.
Does the Cowboys’ potential targeting of Vidal mean the end of Blue? Not a chance. However, they must address the depth issue, and someone like the Chargers RB could be a primary backup as a rotational bell cow.
Minnesota Vikings
Meanwhile, with a new QB, Kyler Murray, the Minnesota Vikings could use all of the help they could get on offense to see true competition for the starting job. The team re-signed veteran Aaron Jones to a revised deal, but he’s slowed down in the last few seasons. With Jordan Mason as the next man up, the Vikings could search for a new backup, and that’s where Vidal could fit into this equation.
Jacksonville Jaguars
After letting Travis Etienne Jr. walk in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars preferred to rebuild their ground game since they knew the back would be expensive. While they had Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen waiting for opportunities, the Jaguars signed Chris Rodriguez this offseason. They don’t need a backup, but what they could use is some true competition at the running back position.
It doesn’t mean that Vidal would become the permanent starter, but he’s arguably a better fit over Rodriguez.
