KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs made a move to bolster their secondary just before taking the field for their final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. The club acquired rookie cornerback Charvarius Ward in exchange for offensive lineman Parker Ehinger, sources tell ChiefsDigest.com.
Neither term has confirmed the deal, which expects to process on Friday. But Ward discussed the trade with a writer from the Cowboys' team website.
“It was surprising. I thought I played good enough to stick around, but God has got different plans for me,” Ward said after the team's game Thursday night according to DallasCowboys.com. “I’ve just got to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Ward, an undrafted rookie free agent from Middle Tennessee State, played three preseason games for the Cowboys during the preseason. He tallied seven total tackles with two passes defended.
The 22-year-old defensive back from McComb, Miss., started his college career at Hinds Community College before transferring to Middle Tennessee and becoming a starter as a senior at right cornerback. He proved productive for the Blue Raiders, picking up 74 tackles with 21 passes broken up and two interceptions in his two-year stint with the team. He played 25 games with 10 starts.
Ward did not receive an invite to the NFL Combine but displayed flashing numbers at his pro day, posting a 4.44 time in the 40-yard dash. He measured at 6-feet, 198 pounds at his pro day, providing the speed and length the Chiefs favor in their cornerbacks.
The addition of Wards adds further youth to the Chiefs cornerback group, which also includes 23-year-old Kendall Fuller, 24-year-old Steven Nelson and 22-year-old Tremon Smith. The Chiefs also have veterans David Amerson and Orlando Scandrick rounding out position.
Ehinger played five games as rookie for the Chiefs at left guard in 2016 before a torn ACL ended his season. He returned to start in the finale against Denver in Week 17 last season. The Chiefs selected him in the fourth round from Cincinnati in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Ehinger initially competed during offseason workouts at left guard, a position later won by Cameron Erving. Ehinger spent much of his in training camp at right tackle with the club testing him as a potential swing tackle. He played left tackle in college for Cincinnati.
Ehinger appeared on the sideline but did not dress during the Chiefs 33-21 win over Green Bay Thursday night. He did not speak to reporters after the game.
But Ward sounds like he's ready to make it to Kansas City.
“It’s a big opportunity," Ward said to DallasCowboys.com. "I’ve just got to take advantage of it. Keep my head down, keep grinding, keep getting better. Keep improving and make my mama proud.”
