The Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl last season, but one of their biggest disappointments was the running game. Isiah Pacheco broke his fibula in Week 2 and Chiefs found a gem in free agency by reuniting with Kareem Hunt.
But while that reunion tour helped Kansas City get back to the Super Bowl, it remains a big question moving forward. Pacheco will return as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, but Hunt will hit free agency. Entering his age-30 season, the Chiefs may be looking for a replacement for Hunt, and one may have popped up after his release on Friday.
Roster Moves | We have released CB Kendall Fuller, RB Raheem Mostert and TE Durham Smythe. pic.twitter.com/TD3Ygu9vRt
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) February 14, 2025
Chiefs Could Target Raheem Mostert After Release From Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins released veteran running back Raheem Mostert on Friday, and he could make sense as a backup to Pacheco next season. The 32-year-old broke out with 772 yards and eight touchdowns for the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and spent the past three years with the Dolphins, including a Pro Bowl 2023 campaign where he ran for a career-high 1,012 yards and led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns.
Mostert’s previous production suggests he could serve a similar role to the one Hunt did last season. No longer the elusive back he was earlier in his career, Hunt ran for 728 yards and seven rushing touchdowns as he served as Kansas City’s goal line back. Hunt has also tallied 16 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons, finding the end zone nine times with the Cleveland Browns in 2023.
Neither back can serve as a bell cow at this stage of his career – although Hunt’s 200 carries were the most since he logged 272 in his rookie season with Kansas City in 2017 – but both can get the job done when given the ball at the goal line.
In a perfect world, the Chiefs would like to give Pacheco all of the work. But in today’s NFL, having two capable running backs is key. There’s also the concern that Pacheco has lost his explosiveness after his leg injury, as his yards per attempt has dropped from 4.9 in his rookie season in 2022 to 3.7 this past season.
It may also make sense to add a rookie running back in a strong draft class, but the Chiefs may be looking for a more experienced player. If Hunt leaves, Mostert could be an option and help Kansas City regain its footing on the ground next season.