Kansas City Chiefs reveal their rushing attack approach for the 2025 season as they re-sign veteran Kareem Hunt
The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing running back Kareem Hunt to a one-year contract worth up to $2.5 million, with a $1.5 million base salary, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. When the Chiefs signed RB Elijah Mitchell on Monday, it seemed as though they may not be interested in bringing back Hunt, who became a free […]
The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing running back Kareem Hunt to a one-year contract worth up to $2.5 million, with a $1.5 million base salary, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
When the Chiefs signed RB Elijah Mitchell on Monday, it seemed as though they may not be interested in bringing back Hunt, who became a free agent on Wednesday. However, it now looks like Kansas City will enter the 2025 season with a trio of capable veterans, which of course includes starter Isiah Pacheco.
In a way, Hunt saved the Chiefs' offense last season. When Pacheco went on injured reserve with a fractured fibula in Week 2, K.C. brought Hunt in and he made an instant impact. Hunt averaged 24 carries in four of his fist five games with the team, with two 100-yard rushing performances and five total touchdowns during that stretch.
With the Chiefs' passing game struggling following significant injuries to wide receivers Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown, Hunt was the constant for the offense. When Pacheco returned in Week 13, he and Hunt split carries for the rest of the regular season fairly evenly.
However, when the postseason rolled around, K.C. went back to the trusty Hunt as its lead back. During the divisional round and the AFC Championship Gama, Hunt racked up 108 yards on 25 carries and two TDs; while Pacheco had just 10 carries for 28 yards. Perhaps Pacheco wasn't fully recovered from his injury, but Hunt ran with more power and fluency than Pacheco.
During the 2024 season as a whole (including the playoffs), Hunt rushed for 3.7 yards per carry, 835 yards, and 10 TDs. Hunt was drafted by the Chiefs in 2017, winning the rushing title as a rookie with 1,327 yards. He spent 2019-2023 with the Cleveland Browns before returning to K.C. Hunt will be 30-years-old by the start of the regular season.
He isn't as explosive as he once was, but can still provide quality play as a rotational player. Look for him to be used in short-yardage situations as he is definitely the most powerful and balanced runner between himself, Pacheco, and Mitchell. If Pacheco continues to struggle, Hunt could edge him out in carries once again. Mitchell will likely be the third-down back, but at the end of the day whoever is running the ball most affectively will get the most work.
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Bringing back a familiar face.
