Kansas City acquired cornerback Kenneth Acker from San…
Kansas City acquired cornerback Kenneth Acker from San Francisco on August 27, 2016 for a future seventh-round pick. Acker appeared in nine games for the Chiefs in 2016 and all 16 in 2017, intercepting one pass in his second Kansas City season. He provided useful secondary depth, but the Chiefs received only two seasons before his tenure ended.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player Kenneth Acker
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2018 7th round pick (240th overall, Richie James )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Kansas City acquired Kenneth Acker late in the 2016 preseason, sending San Francisco a future seventh-round selection. The cost was modest and the Chiefs were buying an experienced corner who had started 13 games for the 49ers in 2015. San Francisco, meanwhile, chose future draft capital over keeping Acker in a crowded secondary.
Acker in Kansas City
Acker gave the Chiefs legitimate depth. He appeared in nine games during the 2016 season and then played all 16 games in 2017, when he recorded an interception. That is meaningful service for a seventh-round price. The limitation is duration: Kansas City received two seasons and did not turn Acker into a long-term starter or core defensive piece.
San Francisco's Pick
The future selection became No. 240 overall in the 2018 draft. San Francisco used it on Richie James, who made the roster as a receiver and return specialist. James appeared in 40 regular-season games for the 49ers from 2018 through 2020 and produced receiving and return value, including explosive plays in both roles.
Comparing the Returns
Kansas City did not make a poor trade. Acker contributed in 25 games across two seasons, which is solid production from a late-round acquisition. San Francisco, however, converted a player it was prepared to move into a younger player who remained with the club for three seasons and contributed in multiple phases.
Final Verdict
San Francisco 49ers Win. The 49ers earn a B-plus for turning expendable cornerback depth into Richie James and receiving three seasons of useful roster value. Kansas City earns a C-plus because Acker did help the secondary, but the return was shorter and less impactful than the player San Francisco eventually drafted.
Acker provided Kansas City two seasons of depth, while Richie James developed into a longer-lasting San Francisco contributor as receiver and returner.