1,300-yard rusher Kareem Hunt is meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs this week but the Ravens and Panthers may be suitors. According to a report, Kansas City is looking for a replacement for Isiah Pacheco since he’ll miss significant time, the Chiefs are bringing in Hunt for a visit. The veteran was originally a third-round pick from the 2017 NFL Draft establishing himself as one of the better premiere running backs in the league. Hunt led the league with 1,327 rushing yards as a rookie while notching 53 passes for 455 yards.
However, there may still be some bad blood between the two since a video resurfaced in 2018 leading to his release. The two may be able to put it behind them since the team needs a starting running back to help replace Pacheco. Hunt since going to the Browns in 2019 amassed 4,436 yards with 40 touchdowns and caught 226 passes with 1,890 yards with 17 touchdowns. Head Coach Andy Reid said it will take a little bit more time before Pacheco recovers so it might be better to roll the dice on a veteran who knows the Chiefs system and probably add an upside to the backfield.
Reid still expects rookie Carson Steele to step up since they’ll likely rotate a bunch of running backs already on the roster. There’s no word if Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be ready considering he’s still dealing with personal issues. This is why the team brought in Samaje Perine to reinforce the entire depth chart but many should expect to see him getting extra snaps or sharing them with Hunt.
1,300-Yard Rusher Kareem Hunt Meeting Chiefs, Ravens, Panthers Are Suitors
Extra Depth For Baltimore
The Ravens may use Derrick Henry all they want but John Harbaugh made it clear he isn’t the heart of the offense. It takes more than one player in the backfield to drive this team. However, Baltimore is coming off back-to-back losses already in the regular season so some help behind Henry and Justice Hill could boost the running game. There’s a need for a momentum shifter that would open up the field in the red zone for Lamar Jackson.
Hunt may not be the long-term answer but it gives Henry some breathing room to get extra snaps near the endzone. Most of the time, Jackson uses Hill in the passing game, so it’s safe to bet on Hunt and Henry to share the ball.
Chaos in Carolina
The Panthers are benching quarterback Bryce Young after losing in another blowout so there are already some chemistry issues with the offense. Carolina was hoping to re-establish their offense last year after the disastrous season they had only won one matchup in the entire 2023 campaign. It’s looking like the same even with the additions of Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette.
However, they may still need some help in the backfield if Hunt is still available and if they’re willing to field trade calls for Miles Sanders. Hunt could be that veteran replacement since Sanders has been a disappointment this season.
Other Potential Destinations
New Orleans Saints
After coming off a 2-0 start, the Saints could be on the doorstep for Hunt just like they were last year. The running back position isn’t the biggest need but since they’re still having problems with Kendre Miller, they might as well bring in Hunt to accommodate Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. Hunt may not be in his prime anymore but it’s better than having someone who is injury prone.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers could use some upside behind Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins since letting go of Joshua Kelley this past offseason. No one should expect rookie Kimani Vidal to step up much if Dobbins or Edwards goes down with an injury. Jim Harbaugh is focusing on the running game which could lead to using both of the injury-prone backs too much. It may be better to take a swing at bringing Hunt to help in the backfield.
