Chiefs had some competition from a familiar face to sign RB Kareem Hunt during 2025 NFL free agency
The Chiefs officially re-signed RB Kareem Hunt on Monday, but returning to Kansas City wasn't his only option in the 2025 NFL free agency period. Hunt rejoined the Chiefs last season after an injury to starting RB Isiah Pacheco left the team scrambling to find help at the running back position. Hunt was signed after last […]
The Chiefs officially re-signed RB Kareem Hunt on Monday, but returning to Kansas City wasn't his only option in the 2025 NFL free agency period.
Hunt rejoined the Chiefs last season after an injury to starting RB Isiah Pacheco left the team scrambling to find help at the running back position. Hunt was signed after last playing for Kansas City in 2018 when his off-field actions led to his dismissal from the team. He finished the 2024 NFL season as the team's leading rusher with 200 carries for 728 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and 23 receptions for 176 receiving yards.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Hunt had one other option before choosing to re-sign in Kansas City for the 2025 NFL season. That option? To rejoin former Chiefs running backs coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy with the Chicago Bears.
Bieniemy, of course, was Hunt's position coach during his rookie season, which was the best season of his NFL career. He was also Hunt's offensive coordinator in 2018, which was tracking to be another great year for the running game. Remember, when Hunt was drafted in Kansas City, Bears GM Ryan Poles was also part of the Chiefs' front office as the team's Director of College Scouting. He has extensive knowledge of both the person and the player. That connection is also why WR Mecole Hardman recently worked out with Chicago.
Regarding a timeline, the Bears seemed interested in bringing Hunt to Chicago to pair with D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. However, they re-signed RB Travis Homer to a one-year deal worth $2 million only after Hunt agreed to terms on a one-year deal to remain in Kansas City. Poles and Bieniemy were waiting on Hunt's decision before bringing back Homer, who has been with the Bears since 2023.
The truth of the matter is that Hunt has only had eyes for the Chiefs, even last season, as he waited for another NFL opportunity following his time in Cleveland. In 2024, he got a taste of the success he missed out on in Super Bowl LIV when he would've still been on his rookie contract. He wants to earn a Super Bowl title with his teammates in Kansas City.
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