KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Less than four months away from Kansas City, running back Charcandrick West is coming back into the fold to fill the roster spot vacated by the release of Kareem Hunt.
West worked out for the team Monday and expected to finalize a deal this afternoon, a source confirmed to Chiefs Digest. The deal expects to pay West the veteran minimum of $790,000 but will count just $630,000 against the salary cap on a prorated basis.
West played four seasons for the Chiefs after joining the club in 2014 as an undrafted free agent from Abilene Christian. The 5-10, 205-pound back with speed played in backup role and special teams, rushing for 999 yards and seven touchdowns with team.
The 27-year-old West frequently served as a third-down back and thrived in passing situations, catching 75 passes for 552 yards and four touchdowns. He also serves a capable blocker.
His best season in Kansas City came during the 2015 campaign. West stepped into the lineup as the starting running back when Jamaal Charles went down with a season-ending ACL injury. West rushed for 634 yards and four touchdowns and finished the year with a career-best 848 yards from scrimmage. He rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in that year's playoff loss to the New England Patriots.
The Chiefs released West in August to provide him with an opportunity to hook up with another team when he appeared the odd man out in Kansas City. Spencer Ware won the primary backup job behind Kareem Hunt, and Damien Williams beat out West as third back with rookie Darrel Williams also winning a roster spot.
West signed with the New York Jets two days after leaving Kansas City, but the club released him a one later. He had workouts with several other teams before landing back with the Chiefs.
