Heading into the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 season, there was a level of speculation that veteran running back Kareem Hunt could become a surprise roster cut. The Chiefs had a myriad of options at the position, and Hunt was expected to continue regressing as the aging back plays with an incredibly physical style that takes a lot of mileage off his body.
However, not only did Hunt make Kansas City's final roster, but he has made a great case to be brought back for the 2026 season.
Kareem Hunt Is Playing His Way Into Chiefs' 2026 RB Plans
The Chiefs need to find a star running back capable of carrying the ball 20-25 times a game and taking pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the offseason. Still, Hunt has earned his way back on this roster as a short-yardage weapon and reliable backup, opening the door for him to at least be the team's RB2 again in 2026.
After all, Isiah Pacheco is unlikely to return next season as his contract is set to expire in March. Considering how rookie RB Brashard Smith hasn't shown much during his limited opportunities, running things back with Hunt makes sense.
Before Week 16, Hunt had amassed 557 rushing yards with eight touchdowns on 148 carries in 14 games, as well as 155 catches for 122 receiving yards and another score. It is the exact type of production you want from a backup and a surprise for a player who was expected to be on his way out of the league.
While the Chiefs are still clearly open-minded when it comes to finding future depth at the position, it would be a surprise not to see mutual interest between Hunt and K.C. The franchise is entering the unknown after missing the playoffs for the first time in the Mahomes era. There's going to be plenty of roster turnover, so having a familiar face around through it all could go a long way — especially if the Chiefs aren't playing for much next season.
Hunt might not be able to rattle off another 1,000-yard campaign, but he's the only person in the Chiefs' RB room who's shown signs of life this season. Pacheco and Smith might be younger, but they aren't better, and little about what they've shown so far proves that they should be back in a prominent role with Kansas City in 2026.
Hunt's short-yardage success has prevented the Chiefs' offense from being much worse than it could be this season. He isn't a top-10 running back anymore, but he's still an effective break-in-case-of-emergency option when Kansas City needs him. That should give him a role to come back to next season, especially if the Chiefs want their backfield to stop being a glaring concern.