Chiefs Kareem Hunt In Danger of Being Cut?

The Kansas City Chiefs backfield took a major hit at the beginning of last season when they lost Isiah Pacheco with a significant leg injury at the beginning of the season. He would return but not before missing a decent chunk of the season. 

In his absence, Kareem Hunt carried much of the load, finishing the season with 728 yards on 200 carries as the team's lead rusher. Pacheco's injury hurt the team's rushing attack that finished in the bottom half of the league despite Hunt's efforts.  

Kansas City has worked this offseason to alleviate some of the concerns heading into 2025. That work has come in the form of offensive line adjustments along with some backfield additions. 

The Chiefs added Elijah Mitchell in free agency and drafted Brashard Smith in the seventh round. Pacheco projects to be the No. 1 but the depth behind him may not be as certain. 

As Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report notes, this makes things uncertain for Hunt heading into trainnig camp. 

"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. However, Kansas City also signed Elijah Mitchell before drafting former SMU running back Brashard Smith—who has intrigued the front office.

"Assuming Isiah Pacheco is back to pre-injury form, Hunt could be the odd man out. Releasing him would save Kansas City $632,353 in cap space."

Now while the Chiefs may find favor in their younger running back, his nor Mitchell's position is guaranteed either. Smith will have to work his way up the depth chart and Mitchell has not put up noteworthy production since his rookie season in 2021. 

Nonetheless, Hunt does have age working against him and the other three currently vying for reps have a significant youth advantage. If the Chiefs are looking for that common trait, Hunt's status may not be so secure.