Who Should I Start? Kareem Hunt or Isiah Pacheco

Friday, March 14, 1:48 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing veteran running back Kareem Hunt to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with incentives on Friday, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Hunt began last year on the street before he reunited with the Chiefs when starting RB Isaiah Pacheco went down with an early-season injury. The 29-year-old ended up being a big waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers, as he went on to rush for 728 yards -- his most since 2020 with the Cleveland Browns -- and seven touchdowns on 200 rushing attempts in 13 regular-season games (eight starts). Hunt also added 23 catches for 176 yards through the air. It was a nice career resurgence for Hunt, who started his career with two seasons in KC back in 2017-18. However, with Pacheco healthy and the team bringing in Elijah Mitchell in free agency, Hunt could be the No. 3 back to open the 2025 season.

Sunday, June 1, 8:36 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco told the Kansas City Star's Jesse Newell that he focused on gaining weight this offseason to get closer to his shape at the NFL Combine. "Just going back to 216, 4.37 Isiah Pacheco-style," said Pacheco. The Rutgers product was excellent for Kansas City over his first two seasons, but a fibula fracture in Week 2 of 2024 would derail a fantastic start for him. Miraculously, he'd return in Week 13, but the 26-year-old was not his usual effective self. The missed time caused him to lean out, but head coach Andy Reid notes that Pacheco put on some "good weight" and is looking "tremendous" ahead of the 2025 season. There'll be more competition for him in the Chiefs' backfield this year. However, more time removed from an ugly injury should benefit him. It's unclear whether or not the added weight will be a boon to him. Still, he has an excellent chance at a bounce-back season.