Chiefs Reunite with RB Kareem Hunt on a 1-Year $2.5 Million Deal
The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar face, re-signing running back Kareem Hunt to a one-year contract. The deal is worth up to $2.5 million, including $1.5 million in base salary with an additional $1 million in incentives.
Hunt returned to Kansas City in 2024 after spending five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. His second stint proved productive, making him a key part of the Chiefs’ backfield heading into the 2025 season. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz first reported the agreement on Friday.
Kareem Hunt’s Return to Kansas City
Hunt originally joined Kansas City as a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He led the league in rushing as a rookie, earning Pro Bowl honors before his abrupt release in 2018. After spending time in Cleveland, he found his way back to Kansas City last season.
This past season, Hunt played in 13 games for the Chiefs, starting in eight of them. Kareem would go on and finish the season leading the team in rushing yards with 728 and seven touchdowns while also surpassing 900 total yards from scrimmage. His performance back in Kansas City gave the front office enough confidence to want to bring him back for at least one more season.
Chiefs’ Running Back Situation
With Hunt re-signing, the Chiefs now have a deep backfield heading into 2025. Isiah Pacheco remains the lead back, while Hunt provides a veteran presence. Kansas City also signed former 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell earlier in free agency.
It remains unclear if Kansas City will add another running back in the upcoming draft. However, some believe the 2025 draft class is particularly strong at the position. The Chiefs’ front office could look to add one more back as insurance.
Final Thoughts
Hunt’s return to Kansas City gives the team another proven difference-maker and veteran in the locker room. Along with Hunt’s familiarity with Andy Reid’d system, he’s also a versatile back who has complemented Pacheco well when they were both in the lineup together and now gets to work alongside Elijah Mitchell as well. Giving the Chiefs a dynamic three-headed running back unit.
Although Hunt is 30 years old, if his performance last season is any indication he still has plenty left in the tank to offer, but his long-term future with the team remains uncertain. At least for now, he will be with the team for the 2025 season, serving as their veteran running back option, as the Chiefs’ offense continues to be put together. His performance in the upcoming season will determine if he earns another deal beyond this season.
