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Kareem Hunt got another shot with the Chiefs last season when they needed help in the backfield. Let’s be real though – his performance wasn’t turning heads, but he filled the void after Isiah Pacheco broke his leg and kept the ground game functioning.
The Chiefs gave Hunt a one-year, $1.5 million deal for 2024 as a reward for stepping up. That said, his spot on the roster looks increasingly shaky with OTAs starting next week. There are multiple red flags suggesting Hunt could be the odd man out when roster cuts roll around.
Hunt’s roster spot in serious jeopardy as Chiefs begin OTAs
The biggest challenge for Hunt? He’ll now face competition from a fully healthy Pacheco. When Pacheco returned late last season, he was clearly limited – anyone watching the games could see he wasn’t his explosive self. Despite that, Pacheco’s efficiency numbers mirrored Hunt’s, which isn’t a good sign for the veteran back.
Both runners averaged exactly 3.6 yards per carry with similar success rates. The difference? Pacheco is entering his prime years with something to prove in his contract year, while Hunt is staring down his 30th birthday – that dreaded age where running backs often fall off a cliff production-wise.
This isn’t just about Pacheco, either.
Chiefs’ offseason additions put Hunt on thin ice
Kansas City’s front office made moves this offseason that directly threaten Hunt’s role. They signed former 49ers back Elijah Mitchell – notably to a contract worth more than Hunt’s – which speaks volumes about their plans. They also used a seventh-round pick on SMU’s Brashard Smith, who brings receiving skills out of the backfield that Hunt doesn’t offer at the same level.
It’s worth noting that KC only kept three RBs on their initial 53-man roster last year, and that included Carson Steele – who’s essentially a fullback. With Pacheco, Mitchell, and Smith all bringing different skillsets, Hunt could be fighting an uphill battle from day one of OTAs.
Hunt deserves credit for what he did last year – he was reliable if unspectacular. The veteran recorded just a single run of 20+ yards all season, but consistently got what was blocked for him. For a team with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, that was good enough… until it wasn’t.
The former Pro Bowler might find himself watching the Chiefs’ three-peat attempt from home if he can’t separate himself during the upcoming practice sessions. With younger legs and more diverse skillsets around him, Hunt’s reliability alone may not be enough to secure his spot for another championship run.
