The Kansas City Chiefs, perennial Super Bowl contenders, are no strangers to tough roster decisions. With only 53 spots available on an NFL roster, competition for those final positions is fierce. Every year, teams must make difficult choices, balancing talent, finances, and schematic fit. For the Chiefs, one surprising name has emerged as a potential cut candidate: running back Kareem Hunt. According to Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN), Hunt’s time in Kansas City could be nearing an end, a move that could reshape the Chiefs’ backfield and impact their 2025 season.
A Crowded Backfield Sparks Tough Choices
The Chiefs brought back Kareem Hunt in 2024 after star running back Isiah Pacheco suffered an injury. Signed off the street, Hunt was thrust into a significant role, carrying the ball 200 times during the season. However, his performance left much to be desired. Among the 23 NFL running backs with 200 or more carries in 2024, Hunt ranked dead last with a paltry 3.6 yards per carry, according to PFSN analyst Jacob Infante. While Hunt provided a veteran presence and helped shoulder the load, his inefficiency has raised questions about his fit in Kansas City’s plans moving forward.
With Pacheco now returning from injury and poised to reclaim his role as the lead back, the Chiefs’ backfield is getting crowded. Adding to the complexity, Kansas City signed former San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell in free agency and selected Brashard Smith in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Both players bring fresh legs and upside to the roster, putting Hunt’s spot in jeopardy.
Why Cut Kareem Hunt?
The decision to potentially part ways with Hunt isn’t solely about performance. Several factors come into play:
Schematic Fit: The Chiefs’ offense, led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, thrives on explosiveness and versatility. While Hunt is a reliable veteran, his 3.6 yards per carry in 2024 suggest he may not provide the dynamic playmaking the Chiefs need to complement Pacheco’s bruising style.
Depth and Youth: Elijah Mitchell, a proven runner during his time with the 49ers, brings speed and a higher ceiling. Meanwhile, rookie Brashard Smith represents a low-cost, high-potential option. The Chiefs may prioritize these younger, more cost-effective players over Hunt, who is now 30 years old and showing signs of wear.
Financial Considerations: While Hunt’s contract isn’t a massive cap hit, every dollar counts for a team managing a roster full of stars like Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones. Releasing Hunt could free up space to address other needs or retain depth elsewhere.
The Case for Keeping Hunt
Despite the case for cutting Hunt, there are reasons the Chiefs might hesitate. Hunt’s familiarity with the organization—he began his career with Kansas City in 2017—makes him a valuable asset in terms of chemistry and leadership. His ability to handle a heavy workload in 2024, even if inefficiently, proved he can still contribute in a pinch. Additionally, Hunt’s pass-catching ability out of the backfield adds a dimension that neither Mitchell nor Smith has fully demonstrated yet.
If Pacheco’s recovery isn’t seamless or Mitchell struggles to adapt to Kansas City’s system, Hunt could serve as a dependable insurance policy. The Chiefs also value locker room cohesion, and Hunt’s veteran presence could help stabilize a young running back room.
What a Cut Could Mean for the Chiefs’ Season
Releasing Kareem Hunt would signal a bold shift in Kansas City’s backfield strategy. Pacheco, Mitchell, and Smith could form a dynamic trio, blending power, speed, and potential. However, it’s a risky move. If Pacheco isn’t fully healthy or Mitchell and Smith fail to deliver, the Chiefs could regret letting go of a proven, if unspectacular, contributor. The running game is a critical component of Andy Reid’s offense, providing balance to Mahomes’ passing attack and keeping defenses honest. A misstep in the backfield could disrupt that balance and jeopardize Kansas City’s Super Bowl aspirations.
On the flip side, cutting Hunt could free up opportunities for younger players to shine. Mitchell’s speed could add a new dimension to the offense, while Smith’s development might uncover a hidden gem. If the Chiefs’ coaching staff believes in their new additions, moving on from Hunt could streamline the roster and set the stage for a more explosive running game.
Hunt’s Future and the NFL Landscape
If the Chiefs do release Hunt, he’s unlikely to stay on the market for long. Despite his underwhelming 2024 stats, Hunt’s experience, versatility, and past production make him an attractive option for other teams. With 31 other NFL franchises potentially looking for running back depth, Hunt could land with a team in need of a veteran presence, such as a playoff contender dealing with injuries or a rebuilding squad looking for leadership.
An Interesting Story to Watch
As the Chiefs prepare for the 2025 season, the decision on Kareem Hunt will be one of the most intriguing roster battles to follow. Will Kansas City stick with the veteran who stepped up in a time of need, or will they bet on the upside of their newer additions? The outcome could have ripple effects, not only for Hunt’s career but also for the Chiefs’ pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
For now, Hunt remains on the roster, but his status as a potential cut candidate has raised eyebrows across the NFL. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Kansas City’s backfield to see how this shocking storyline unfolds.