Chiefs Fan Favorite Leaves for NFC South in New Offseason Projection

Several players have played a big role in the Kansas City Chiefs' 10-1 start to the 2024 NFL season, including Kareem Hunt.

The Chiefs were left scrambling early in the campaign when No. 1 running back Isiah Pacheco landed on injured reserve and none of his backup options successfully stepped up. That forced general manager Brett Veach to target Hunt, who had previously spent two seasons with the franchise after being drafted 86th overall back in 2017.

Since then, Hunt has gone on to amass 577 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 155 carries while also converting 17 receptions into another 135 yards. With a performance like that, it isn't surprising that many Chiefs fans are open to re-signing the 29-year-old runner when he hits free agency in the offseason.

Unfortunately, one NFL analyst isn't convinced that a reunion is in the cards.

Chiefs Rumors: Kareem Hunt Projected to Sign with Saints in Free Agency

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department is linking Hunt, who's a pending free agent, to the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Without a reliable backup option behind Alvin Kamara, the Chiefs' veteran RB makes a lot of sense as a target.

"Kareem Hunt, who has revitalized his career with the Chiefs this season, might be available on a relatively team-friendly deal," Bleacher Report wrote. "He joined the Chiefs on a $1.2 million contract, so swapping (Jamaal) Williams for Hunt could, theoretically, allow New Orleans to create cap space."

The Saints are currently projected to sit at more than $77.3 million over the salary cap this offseason, per Spotrac. Cutting Williams would save about $2.3 million, so it's easy to see why New Orleans would want to replace him with Hunt.

Another reason why the Saints might want to add Hunt is that his presence could take some pressure off Kamara in the red zone. New Orleans' RB1 has 34 red-zone touches this season compared to nine between the rest of the RB room, highlighting interim coach Darren Rizzi's lack of faith in his other runners.

Meanwhile, Hunt has seen 42 touches (35 carries, 7 catches) inside of the 20-yard line, turning those opportunities into 102 scrimmage yards and five TDs. A two-head red-zone beast comprised of Hunt and Kamara could unleash some serious headaches for opposing defenses.

At the end of the day, time will tell what the future holds for Hunt. While he'll surely attract interest in the offseason, the Chiefs could always be open to a reunion if Andy Reid believes there's a spot for him in the backfield, regardless of Pacheco's health in 2025.

Hunt will look to continue his impressive run when the Chiefs host the Las Vegas Raiders at 3 p.m. ET on Black Friday.

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