The Kansas City Chiefs ended up losing the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles. They made some key moves in the offseason, but could make a shocking one before the season starts.
The Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt in the middle of the season to help carry the load while Isiah Pacheco was out. In 13 games, and just eight starts, Hunt had 904 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. For reference, Pacheco had 389 scrimmage yards and one touchdown in seven games, six of which were starts.
Hunt ended up leading the team in rushing and saving the team’s backfield. It’s hard to imagine how bad the Chiefs’ rushing attack would have been had it not been for Hunt. He remained a key part of the offense as Pacjheco struggled after returning from his injury. The Chiefs gave Hunt a one-year, $1.5 million deal, but Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox tabbed him as a cut candidate.
“After he led the team in rushing last season, the Kansas City Chiefs opted to bring back Kareem Hunt on a one-year, $1.5 million deal,” wrote Knox. “However, Kansas City also signed Elijah Mitchell before drafting former SMU running back Brashard Smith—who has intrigued the front office.”
Hunt led the team in carries in the playoffs despite Pacheco starting all three games. However, Pacheco will have the whole offseason to get back to 100 percent. If the Chiefs think Pacheco can get back to being the player in his first two seasons, then they could choose to roll with him and Smith in the backfield.
Hunt has been in the league for eight seasons. He was a Pro Bowler as a rookie and led the league in rushing yards on the Chiefs. He had 1,782 scrimmage yards as a rookie. While he is not the same player, he showed he can still be an asset. If he is cut, he should be able to find a new team fairly quickly.
