Kareem Hunt

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		121	5,775	55	4.1
2025		17	611	8	3.7
2024		13	728	7	3.6
2023		15	411

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Kareem Hunt delivered the kind of production that earns a B+ Contract Value Index relative to the RB pay band. At 30 years old with nine seasons of NFL experience, Hunt is operating as an established veteran in the complementary back space, and his $1.5M AAV on a one-year deal positions him as a bargain-bin free agent acquisition that carries minimal downside risk. The 2025 season saw him accumulate 143 receiving yards across 17 games, a limited counting-stat output that reflects his role-player status rather than any fundamental decline in capability—a distinction the media narrative has been careful to preserve, framing his Kansas City departure as a roster-construction call rather than a performance indictment. His B+ performance grade actually exceeds the statistical footprint, a gap that speaks to the intangible value scouts and analysts assign to his situational versatility and locker room presence, qualities that remain intact despite his age. The one-year structure removes any long-term cap anchor or salary escalation risk, making this the definition of low-commitment depth spending; as multiple outlets have noted, franchises like Las Vegas view him as a legitimate upgrade option for their backfield without any meaningful financial commitment beyond a single season. For a 30-year-old journeyman free agent, Hunt's CVI reflects realistic market pricing—he's neither overpaid nor undervalued, occupying the exact lane the league's middle tier of teams use to round out their running back rotation.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Kareem's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Kareem Hunt remains a productive veteran back at age 30 after nine NFL seasons and 121 games played. The former third-round pick has carved out a reliable complementary role in multiple offenses, earning a B+ grade despite a C+ 2025 campaign. Hunt's body of work speaks louder than the current seasonal dip, positioning him as a capable depth option or role-share contributor in the right system. Hunt's calling card remains his rushing volume and touchdown production. He's averaging 35.9 rushing yards per game—well above the 22.39 NFL average—while chipping in 0.47 rushing TDs per game, significantly exceeding the league average of 0.29. However, his efficiency has dipped noticeably: a 3.75 yards-per-carry average trails the NFL mean of 4.11 and falls well short of elite-level backs who average 6.49. This suggests his offensive line and overall scheme fit matter heavily; he's accumulating volume but grinding for yards rather than hitting explosive plays downfield. The trend line is worth monitoring. Hunt dropped from a C+ in 2024 to a C+ again in 2025, a stall that raises questions about whether age and mileage are finally catching up. At 30 with nearly a decade of touches on his odometer, he's entering the twilight of his playing window. A contender seeking a veteran reserve or a committee partner willing to invest in depth could still extract value from Hunt's experience and work ethic, though starter-caliber production appears behind him.

How Kareem Compares at the Position

Kareem Hunt ranks 24th of 176 graded running backs by performance. That slots Kareem between Nick Chubb (B+) just ahead and Quinshon Judkins (B+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Kareem Hunt enters 2026 free agency as a veteran depth piece facing organizational transition rather than a marquee free agent. The Kansas City Chiefs' recent headlines reflect internal deliberation about his future, with coverage centered on whether the team will re-sign him or pivot to younger talent—a neutral-to-slightly-negative signal that suggests Hunt is viewed as replaceable rather than essential. At 9 years into his career with a modest $1.5M contract, Hunt occupies the role-player tier without Pro Bowl credentials or All-Pro recognition to anchor his reputation above baseline. Media speculation about his "best landing spots" and potential draft-day alternatives indicates he is being evaluated as a journeyman option rather than a priority target, typical of aging backup running backs in a youth-focused league. Fan and media perception reflects pragmatic indifference: Hunt is a competent veteran who may find work, but his 2026 market is unlikely to generate significant buzz or premium interest.