Eric Bieniemy is back in Kansas City, and with his return comes the possibility of a familiar face rejoining the Chiefs backfield: Kareem Hunt. The two have a long history, and Bieniemy has reportedly been eyeing a reunion for at least a year. Now that he’s officially the offensive coordinator, the stars may finally align for a second act between coach and player in 2026.
Hunt, who turns 31 before the start of the season, is set to hit free agency in March. After nine NFL seasons, the question naturally arises: does he have one more run in him?
If the answer is yes, Kansas City could be a logical destination. The Chiefs already extended an offer last offseason-a one-year deal with incentives that could total $1.5 million.
At the time, Bieniemy was coaching running backs under Ben Johnson in Chicago and reportedly tried to bring Hunt into the Bears’ backfield. That didn’t pan out, but the interest was there, and it hasn’t faded.
The connection between Bieniemy and Hunt runs deep. Hunt was a third-round pick by the Chiefs in 2017 and burst onto the scene by leading the NFL in rushing as a rookie.
His on-field impact was immediate and electric. But his time in Kansas City was cut short midway through his second season after he was released for misleading the team about an off-field incident.
From there, Hunt found a second home in Cleveland, where he spent five seasons through 2023, carving out a role as a tough, versatile back.
Fast forward to 2024: the Chiefs needed reinforcements after Isiah Pacheco went down with a fibula fracture early in the season. Hunt came in after a workout and fit right back into the system.
He contributed enough to earn another deal in 2025, and he made the most of it-leading the team in rushing with 611 yards and eight touchdowns. In fact, over the past two seasons, Hunt has racked up 15 rushing scores, proving he’s still a reliable option in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Now, both Hunt and Pacheco are set to hit free agency. That leaves Brashard Smith as the only notable running back under contract for 2026.
It opens the door for a potential overhaul of the running back room. General manager Brett Veach may look to retool the position with a mix of veteran signings and draft picks, aiming to boost production and add depth.
But with Bieniemy back in the fold and clearly valuing what Hunt brings to the table, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chiefs extend another offer.
Hunt’s age and mileage are factors, no doubt. But his familiarity with the Chiefs’ system, his proven production in key situations, and his connection to Bieniemy all make him a compelling option as Kansas City looks to reload for another run. Whether it’s a one-year deal or something more flexible, the groundwork is there for a reunion that could benefit both sides.