The Kansas City Chiefs are making bold offseason moves ahead of training camp — and the latest one could shake up their backfield. Despite leading the team in rushing and helping secure their playoff run, a veteran Pro Bowl running back has reportedly been released, just months after signing a $1.5 million deal.
With minicamps opening and fantasy football draft boards taking shape, what does this move signal for the Chiefs’ backfield — and for fans eyeing early NFL Super Bowl odds?
Veteran Cut After Carrying 2024 Playoff Load
The Chiefs brought back Kareem Hunt midseason to fill the gap while Isiah Pacheco recovered from injury. In just 13 games (8 starts), Hunt logged 904 scrimmage yards and 7 touchdowns, outperforming Pacheco’s 389 yards and 1 TD in seven games.
Despite Pacheco starting all three playoff games, it was Hunt who led the team in postseason carries, anchoring a ground attack that otherwise struggled.
Yet according to Bleacher Report, the Chiefs have opted to cut Hunt to make room for newer talent. Kristopher Knox noted:
“Kansas City also signed Elijah Mitchell and drafted Brashard Smith, who has intrigued the front office.”
Impact on Fantasy and Bettors
With Hunt gone, the spotlight shifts fully back to Isiah Pacheco, who’s expected to return to 100% health after a nagging injury year. Rookie Brashard Smith, a standout from SMU, may now carve out a role — making him a fantasy football sleeper for 2025.
For fans tracking NFL Super Bowl odds, the move shows Kansas City’s confidence in youth and speed, likely boosting backfield volatility and matchup-based usage — key data points for those using best NFL betting apps or tracking player props weekly.
What This Means Going Forward
Letting go of a proven playoff performer like Hunt is never easy. He may no longer be the 1,700-yard rookie who once led the NFL in rushing, but his experience and postseason contributions will be missed.
Still, this is clearly a bet on upside — the kind of decision that could define the Chiefs’ offensive identity in 2025.
The Chiefs just parted ways with a former Pro Bowler who carried them through the playoffs — to make room for youth and speed.
Is it the right call? Does it boost or hurt their Super Bowl outlook? Drop your thoughts below.
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