Chiefs strengthen linebacker squad with former Cardinals third-round pick

The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired edge rusher Cameron Thomas in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

As Rapoport notes, the Chiefs are sending a seventh-round pick to the Cardinals for Thomas. After two uninspiring seasons in Arizona, the 2022 third-round pick is going to Kansas City, where the situation is much more favorable.

Thomas will complete a Chiefs pass-rushing unit led by All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. With the deal coming just before the league’s August 27 roster cut day, he likely wouldn’t have made the Cardinals’ 53-man roster. Instead, he’ll get a fresh start and a chance at redemption with the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

Although Thomas has only recorded three total sacks in his first two years as a pro, there is reason to believe he can turn things around. His lack of productivity is undeniably disappointing, especially given his draft pedigree and college resume. But that may also be due to his limited playing time and lack of capable pass rushers around him. Perhaps his new surroundings in Kansas City can maximize his talents, and that’s what the Chiefs are banking on at a cheap price.

As a junior at San Diego State, Thomas was named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. He recorded 71 total tackles (20.5 for loss) with 11.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. The 24-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate his incredible success from college, but time is on his side to turn things around.

With two years left on his rookie contract, the Chiefs have plenty of opportunity to evaluate Thomas. Although he’s a remedial project, he has a chance to establish himself as part of the team’s long-term plans.

After an impressive preseason performance, the Chiefs saw enough from Thomas to target him. He recorded eight tackles and three sacks in 90 defensive snaps and earned an overall player grade from Pro Football Focus of 77.7.

Somehow the rich keep getting richer. The Chiefs have signed a potentially influential player in Thomas for next to nothing. Regardless, the former Aztec star will have to prove he can turn things around for it to be worth it. But the reward definitely outweighs the risk.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are essentially cutting their losses on Thomas, for whom they spent the No. 87 overall pick not too long ago, and their package in return is almost as disappointing as his inadequate impact on the franchise.