Kareem Hunt News

Hunt was headed for another extremely productive season with the Chiefs before a video surfaced of his involvement in a violent incident, and the team reacted by releasing him before a Week 12 game against the Raiders. Even with the threat of league punishment hanging over Hunt, the Browns decided to offer him another chance and signed him in the offseason. He’ll begin his tenure with Cleveland once he’s served an eight-game suspension. It’s not yet clear what kind of workload Hunt will get with his new offense, joining a backfield that already features Nick Chubb, but the trade of Duke Johnson does free up some touches. Barring an injury to Chubb, it’s hard to see Hunt enjoying the same volume, or same efficiency, that he did in Kansas City while playing for coach Andy Reid. Hunt still has tremendous three-down talent, though, and if the opportunity presents itself, he could thrive given the stacked roster around him.

Initially expected to start his career in a timeshare, Hunt instead served as the Chiefs’ lead back all last season after Spencer Ware suffered a devastating knee injury in August. The rookie third-round pick was good enough to spark MVP discussion early in the year, and while a midseason slump ended the pipe dream, he rebounded in Weeks 14-16 to salvage a rushing title. Hunt’s elite elusiveness, balance and vision made him one of the most difficult runners in the NFL to bring down – he led the league with 137 evaded tackles – and his pass-catching skills made him a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s offensive scheme. In addition to the rushing title, Hunt finished eighth among running backs in receiving yards and tied for fifth in total touchdowns. With fellow 2017 draftee Patrick Mahomes taking over the reins at quarterback from veteran Alex Smith, the Chiefs may need to lean on Hunt even more heavily than they did last year. Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce will keep safeties honest, and the Chiefs’ offensive line still appears solid, though unspectacular. While Reid’s desire to keep Hunt’s workload in check is admirable, it may not hold up in the heat of battle. Expect the 23-year-old to once again be among the league leaders in carries and touches.

The Chiefs were one of the biggest wheelers and dealers on draft day, and Hunt was one of the players they apparently couldn’t live without, as they traded away three picks to move up 18 spots in the third round to grab him. At 5-10, 216, he fits the profile Kansas City looks for in a running back, and while he lost time throughout his college career to lower-body injuries, he finally stayed healthy as a senior and put together a highly impressive campaign. Hunt may not have breakaway speed, but his vision and elusiveness are NFL-caliber, and he can be an asset in the passing game as well, potentially making him useful on any down. Already in line for a sizable Week 1 role, Hunt now finds himself entering the season as the clear leader in Kansas City’s backfield after Spencer Ware suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason. Charcandrick West figures to be involved, but Hunt should handle the bulk of the rushing workload, including at the goal line.