5 Free Agents the Chiefs Should Let Walk

3. Kareem Hunt, RB

Samaje Perine may be the more popular name here, as the video of Patrick Mahomes blowing past him on the sideline made the rounds on social media Monday morning. But while Perine’s departure is a foregone conclusion, Kareem Hunt could be joining him on the open market.

Hunt began his career with the Chiefs and led the league with 1,327 rushing yards in 2017 but he was released after a video of him assaulting a woman emerged the following season. Hunt went on to play five seasons with the Cleveland Browns but got a second chance in Kansas City when Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula in Week 2.

Hunt provided a workman’s like effort, toting the ball 200 times this season. He also posted a 55.5% success rate – defined as the frequency a ball carrier picks up 40% of yards needed on first down, 60% of yards needed on second down, and 100% of yards needed on third and fourth down – while running for 728 yards and seven touchdowns.

But while the Chiefs may see Hunt’s redemption tour as a feel-good story, they also have to be realistic. Hunt will turn 30 during training camp next year, and Pacheco didn’t have the same burst coming back from injury this season. The Chiefs could roll back with a similar duo next season, but they’d also be wise to dive into a draft class that has plenty of talented backs past Boise State star Ashton Jeanty and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson.

Both Hunt and Pacheco were hidden gems in their draft class, with Hunt going in the third round of the 2017 draft and Pacheco going in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Finding the right players requires a little bit of luck, but getting rid of Hunt would help Kansas City be able to choose another lottery ticket and hope for the best next season.