The Kansas City Chiefs have already made a series of big moves in free agency, changing the roster in a couple of major ways in hopes of returning to the Super Bowl and getting the job done this time in 2025.
Kareem Hunt's midseason reunion was one of the most significant storylines of the campaign, as he went on to lead the team in yards from scrimmage as the clear preferred option in the backfield.
Now, he's coming back on a one-year deal. It's an interesting move considering Kansas City signed Elijah Mitchell and have Isiah Pacheco on the team too, but it likely means that one beloved young player is officially on the chopping block entering the summer.
BREAKING: The #Chiefs are re-signing RB Kareem Hunt to a deal worth up to $2.5M, per @Schultz_Report.#KCSN | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/4raQGt9M9Z
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) March 14, 2025
Chiefs Re-Sign RB Kareem Hunt to One-Year Contract
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Chiefs agreed to a one-year contract with Hunt worth up to $2.5 million. It carries a base of $1.5 million, which is interesting to compare to Mitchell's deal that could max out at $3.5 million.
Now, Kansas City has a logjam at running back. Undrafted free agent Carson Steele won over fans with his fun personality and quirky traits (like owning a pet alligator), though he now faces an uphill battle to make the roster. Hunt, Mitchell, and Pacheco are all firmly ahead in the pecking order, particularly after Steele's fumbling problems when given an opportunity.
It's theoretically possible that the Chiefs keep four running backs on the active roster, particularly because of Steele's value as a fullback and kick returner, yet it feels unlikely. This is still an organization that needs to draft a young running back with Pacheco's contract expiring after next year, which would complicate matters even further.
For now, it's good to see Hunt back. He cherishes being part of the franchise and though he appeared in the Super Bowl, he wasn't around to win a championship with his teammates. The band is back together, and fingers are crossed that Hunt will get his ring at some point.
Based on this deal and the landscape around the league though, Steele's days could be numbered in Kansas City.