Texans’ Backfield Needs a Boost - Could Kareem Hunt Be the Answer?
The Houston Texans are officially in win-now mode. After a 12-5 season that ended with a frustrating Divisional Round loss to New England, it’s clear the roster is close - but not quite there.
And if there was one glaring issue in that playoff exit, it was the ground game. Or more accurately, the lack of one.
Houston’s rushing attack disappeared when the stakes were highest, and now, with the offseason underway, the front office has a chance to address it. Enter Kareem Hunt - a veteran back who might not be flashy anymore, but still brings the kind of toughness and reliability that contenders crave.
Let’s break down why Hunt to Houston isn’t just a logical move - it might be essential to keeping the Texans’ title window wide open.
The Mixon Safety Net
The Texans brought in Joe Mixon to be the workhorse last season. But before he could even take a regular-season snap, a foot injury wiped out his entire 2025 campaign.
That left Houston scrambling, relying on a rotation of aging Nick Chubb and unproven rookies. The result?
An inconsistent run game that couldn’t carry its weight down the stretch.
That’s where Hunt fits in. At 30, he’s no longer the explosive rookie who led the league in rushing, but he’s evolved into a dependable, plug-and-play back - especially in high-leverage situations.
Over the past two seasons in Kansas City, Hunt filled in admirably for an injured Isiah Pacheco, racking up over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He didn’t just tread water - he produced.
For a Texans team that can’t afford to ask C.J. Stroud to throw the ball 50 times a game, Hunt offers something critical: stability. If Mixon isn’t 100% or needs time to ramp up, Hunt can step in and keep the offense balanced.
The Dirty-Yard Specialist
Houston’s offensive line struggled to generate push in the run game last year. The numbers don’t lie - just 48 rushing yards in that playoff loss. That’s not just a bad day; that’s a warning sign.
What the Texans need isn’t necessarily a home-run hitter. They need a grinder - someone who can take a play that’s going nowhere and still squeeze out three yards. That’s Hunt’s bread and butter.
In 2025, he was one of the league’s most effective short-yardage backs, punching in eight touchdowns - many in must-convert situations. He’s the kind of back who thrives in chaos, lowers his pads, and moves the chains. That’s gold in the postseason.
And don’t overlook his pass protection. For a young quarterback like Stroud, having a back who can pick up blitzes, recognize defensive shifts, and keep the pocket clean is invaluable. Hunt’s experience and awareness in pass pro could be a quiet but crucial asset.
Cap-Savvy Fit
Let’s talk dollars. The Texans are brushing up against the 2026 salary cap. They’ve got flexibility - restructuring deals for players like Danielle Hunter or Nico Collins is on the table - but they’re not going to be shopping at the top of the free-agent market.
That’s fine. Hunt isn’t a top-dollar guy at this stage, and that’s part of what makes him appealing.
He’s likely looking at a one-year "prove-it" deal or a modest multi-year contract with low guarantees. For a front office that needs to keep an eye on the future - especially with Stroud’s eventual mega-deal looming - Hunt is a low-risk, high-floor option.
A Move That Matches the Moment
Houston’s window to contend is wide open, but that can close fast if the backfield remains a question mark. Betting on Chubb, who’s clearly in the final chapters of his career, and Mixon, who hasn’t played meaningful football in over a year, is a risk this team doesn’t need to take.
Kareem Hunt isn’t the flashiest name on the market. But he’s tough.
He’s smart. And he knows how to win.
He’s the kind of back who can grind out tough yards in December and punch in red-zone touchdowns in January.
If the Texans want to avoid another postseason letdown - and make a real push in 2026 - Hunt should be one of the first calls they make when free agency opens.