Patriots Acquire Running Back In Trade With Cardinals originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots apparently were not satisfied with their internal options for the third spot on their running back depth chart. New England acquired Corey Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Schefter credited Kiner's agents, Adie von Gontard and Don Williams of Young Money APAA Sports, with confirming the deal. The move gives the Patriots another experienced option behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. It also could provide some clarity in a crowded competition that never produced an obvious winner during training camp.
Kiner now projects as New England's third running back, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Hassan Haskins, Lan Larison, Jam Miller and JaMycal Hasty had been competing for that role after Terrell Jennings landed on injured reserve.
Kiner appeared in four games for Arizona last season after the Cardinals signed him from the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad in December. The 5-foot-9, 209-pound back carried the ball 12 times for 58 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. He also caught two passes for 15 yards and returned one kickoff for 22 yards.
Kiner continued making a case for a roster spot this summer.
He finished the 2026 preseason with 15 carries for 64 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. His touchdown came during the Hall of Fame Game when he powered into the end zone from 1 yard out.
Kiner produced another strong showing in Arizona's preseason finale, rushing five times for 35 yards. His longest carry went for 16 yards.
The Cardinals had a crowded backfield of their own, creating an opportunity for New England to acquire Kiner for a late future draft pick.
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Stevenson and Henderson entered camp as secure members of the Patriots' backfield. The uncertainty existed behind them.
Jennings' injury opened the third spot, but none of New England's remaining candidates seized control of the competition. The decision to surrender draft capital for Kiner suggests Mike Vrabel and the Patriots believe he can provide a more reliable option.
Kiner also possesses the physical running style New England values. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his final two seasons at Cincinnati. Kiner finished the 2023 campaign with 1,047 yards and five touchdowns before producing 1,153 yards and four scores in 2024.
He began his college career at LSU before transferring home to Cincinnati. Kiner went undrafted in 2025 and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. After being waived with an injury designation, he joined Minnesota's practice squad and eventually landed on Arizona's active roster.
