Kareem Hunt's Comeback Bid: A Cautious Approach for Fantasy Managers

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Kareem Hunt to their practice squad, reuniting with the running back they drafted in 2017. This move has sparked a flurry of interest among fantasy football managers, who are eager to capitalize on Hunt's potential return to the Chiefs' backfield. However, a closer examination of his recent performance suggests that fantasy managers should temper their expectations and approach this signing with caution.

Unlocking the Potential, Navigating the Challenges

A Downward Trend in Rushing Efficiency

Kareem Hunt's career has been marked by a steady decline in his rushing efficiency. After averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie with the Chiefs, his numbers have steadily declined, dropping to 3.8 yards per carry in 2022 with the Browns and a career-low 3.0 yards per carry last season. This trend is concerning, as it suggests that Hunt may no longer be the dynamic playmaker he once was.

The Backfield Competition in Kansas City

The Chiefs' backfield is already crowded, with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine expected to share the workload. Hunt's signing doesn't necessarily mean he will take on a full-time role. Instead, it's more likely that he will be part of a running-back-by-committee approach, with Steele handling short-yardage runs and Perine taking on passing-down responsibilities. This could limit Hunt's fantasy upside, as he may not see the volume of touches needed to be a consistent fantasy contributor.

Acclimating to the Chiefs' Offense

While Hunt's familiarity with the Chiefs' playbook and Andy Reid's offensive philosophy is a positive, it will still take him some time to get up to speed and fully integrate into the team's game plan. With the Chiefs' bye week coming in Week 6, Hunt may not even be called up to the 53-man roster until Week 7, further delaying his potential impact.

Timing and Pacheco's Return

Another factor to consider is the timing of Hunt's arrival and the impending return of Isaiah Pacheco, who was injured earlier in the season. By the time Hunt is fully integrated into the Chiefs' offense, Pacheco could be nearing his own return, potentially cutting into Hunt's opportunities and further complicating the backfield situation.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

For fantasy managers, the decision to roster Kareem Hunt comes with both risks and potential rewards. While his familiarity with the Chiefs' system and the team's need for backfield depth could work in his favor, the overall trends and backfield dynamics suggest that Hunt is unlikely to recapture his past fantasy glory. Managers should approach this signing with caution and consider Hunt as a speculative add at best, rather than a surefire fantasy starter.