Kansas City Chiefs Star Running Back Kareem Hunt Could Become Cap Casualty During Roster Cuts, Per Bleacher Report Update

The Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to making difficult roster decisions in pursuit of building a championship-caliber team. As the reigning Super Bowl champions look to defend their crown once again, tough financial choices are looming, and according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, one fan-favorite may be on the chopping block. Veteran running back Kareem Hunt, who returned to Kansas City last season, is reportedly in danger of becoming a cap casualty during the upcoming roster cuts.

The report comes as the Chiefs find themselves in a highly competitive backfield situation, made even more crowded following the offseason additions of Elijah Mitchell and rookie Brashard Smith. Kansas City has been aggressive in reshaping its offensive depth chart, with an emphasis on ensuring the team is ready for another deep postseason run, but also mindful of managing the salary cap in an era where every dollar counts.

Kristopher Knox specifically pointed out that while Hunt brings veteran experience and familiarity with the Chiefs’ system, his roster spot is far from guaranteed. “Kansas City signed Elijah Mitchell before drafting former SMU running back Brashard Smith, who has intrigued the front office. Assuming Isiah Pacheco is back to pre-injury form, Hunt could be the odd man out,” Knox explained in his latest evaluation of Kansas City’s 2025 roster. “Releasing him would save Kansas City $632,353 in cap space.”

Though the financial savings might not seem massive compared to the lofty contracts seen across the league, every bit of flexibility matters for a team contending for another Super Bowl title. The Chiefs currently sit in the middle of the league in terms of cap space, with several key players due for extensions or performance-based bonuses. Even modest savings can create room to maneuver, whether it be for in-season acquisitions, emergency signings, or addressing potential injuries.

Hunt’s potential release would mark a significant chapter in his complex relationship with the franchise. Drafted by the Chiefs in 2017, Hunt burst onto the scene as a rookie, leading the NFL in rushing yards and playing a vital role in Kansas City’s high-octane offense. However, his tenure with the team came to an abrupt halt in 2018 when video footage emerged of Hunt involved in a physical altercation. The Chiefs swiftly released him, citing organizational standards and conduct policies.

After spending several seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Hunt eventually found his way back to Kansas City, reuniting with Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. His return was seen as a calculated move by both sides—a chance for Hunt to prove he still had gas left in the tank, and for the Chiefs to add veteran depth to their running back rotation.

In his return season with Kansas City, Hunt played a limited but effective role, contributing as a rotational back behind starter Isiah Pacheco. He provided reliable pass protection, short-yardage power, and a veteran presence in the locker room. However, with Pacheco expected to be fully healthy heading into the new season, and the promising additions of Mitchell and Smith, the coaching staff faces a challenging evaluation process.

Elijah Mitchell, signed earlier in free agency, brings a different dynamic to the Chiefs’ offense. Known for his speed and agility, Mitchell provides a change-of-pace option that complements Pacheco’s downhill running style. Meanwhile, rookie Brashard Smith has quickly turned heads within the organization. The former SMU standout boasts an intriguing skill set that combines explosiveness, pass-catching ability, and versatility—traits highly valued in Andy Reid’s system.

For Hunt, the odds appear stacked against him. Despite his pedigree and past production, the NFL is a business driven by performance, youth, and financial efficiency. Roster spots are precious commodities, and teams must constantly balance the need for experienced contributors with the cap implications of keeping veterans over younger, cheaper talent.

The Chiefs’ front office has shown time and again that they are not afraid to make bold, strategic moves when shaping the roster. From letting high-profile players walk in free agency to making surprising draft selections, general manager Brett Veach and the personnel department prioritize long-term sustainability alongside immediate success.

In recent years, Kansas City has mastered the art of building around Patrick Mahomes while managing the salary cap with precision. They’ve navigated challenges such as reworking veteran contracts, cutting ties with aging players, and injecting youth into key positions. The looming decision on Kareem Hunt appears to be another example of the organization’s willingness to make calculated roster moves in pursuit of excellence.

For Chiefs fans, the possibility of Hunt’s release brings mixed emotions. His initial rise to stardom in Kansas City created lasting memories, while his departure left a complicated legacy. His return provided a sense of redemption, but it now seems his second stint with the Chiefs may be short-lived.

Ultimately, much hinges on Isiah Pacheco’s health and the continued development of the younger backs. Pacheco, who emerged as a dynamic force in the Chiefs’ backfield, battled through injuries last season but remains a cornerstone of the offense when healthy. The Chiefs’ confidence in his recovery will likely influence their decision regarding Hunt’s roster spot.

Additionally, Brashard Smith’s preseason performance and ability to quickly adapt to the professional level will be crucial factors. If Smith proves capable of contributing early, the organization may opt to prioritize his upside over retaining an aging Hunt. Elijah Mitchell’s role as a proven NFL contributor also cannot be overlooked, adding to the depth and competition within the running back room.

As training camp and preseason games approach, all eyes will be on Kansas City’s backfield battles. Every practice rep, scrimmage, and exhibition snap will be scrutinized as players jockey for position on one of the league’s most competitive rosters. For Kareem Hunt, it represents a final opportunity to prove his worth and stave off the looming possibility of being a cap casualty.

While $632,353 in cap savings might seem modest, in the grand chessboard of NFL roster management, those dollars can be pivotal. The Chiefs could use the freed-up cap space to reinforce other areas, address unforeseen needs during the season, or position themselves for a midseason acquisition that could be the difference in another Super Bowl run.

For now, Hunt remains a Kansas City Chief. But as Kristopher Knox’s report highlights, the clock is ticking, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Hunt’s fate rests not only on his performance but on the delicate balancing act of salary cap management, roster construction, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the Kansas City Chiefs.

As the countdown to final roster cuts continues, the story of Kareem Hunt’s future in Kansas City encapsulates the harsh realities of professional football—a league where talent, past success, and loyalty can only take a player so far. In the end, the numbers, both on the field and on the balance sheet, tell the ultimate story. Whether Hunt survives the upcoming cuts or becomes the latest cap casualty will soon be revealed as the Chiefs march toward another season with championship aspirations.