Kareem Hunt Brings Baggage, Enticing Possibilities
Kareem Hunt has had an up-and-down career in the NFL and certainly carries baggage with him that likely contributes to him still being unsigned. Since leading the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 2017 with 1327 yards, he has struggled to replicate the sustained dominance he showed early in his career in Kansas City.
The Chiefs released Hunt after lying to the team about a domestic violence incident where he was caught on video shoving a woman at a Cleveland Hotel. He was suspended for eight games by the NFL, and apologized saying that the Chiefs were right to cut him.
Signing as a free agent in Cleveland, Hunt has found mixed success, but most recently struggled through the 2022 season where he rushed for 268 yards on 123 carries for a 3.8 yards per rush and just 3 rushing touchdowns. Despite excelling as a receiving back, he caught just 35 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown, while creating drama by asking for a trade despite his struggles.
Once a ferocious runner with elite receiving skills, if the Buffalo Bills thought they could resurrect his career, he could be an interesting fit alongside James Cook. The two of them have similar skill sets, which may seem redundant, however Hunt’s blocking ability could form a versatile and dynamic backfield pairing. And due to his recent performance struggles and attitude issues, Hunt will also likely come at a steep discount.