Backfield Shakeup in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing one of their toughest roster decisions in recent memory. With the selection of SMU running back Brashard Smith in the seventh round of the NFLDraft-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>2025 NFL Draft, veteran ball carrier Kareem Hunt's future with the team hangs in the balance. This potential move signals the Chiefs' continued shift toward building a younger, more cost-effective roster around superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Why Smith Changes the Equation

At 5'11" and 205 pounds, Brashard Smith brings immediate competition to the Chiefs' running back room. His college stats tell an intriguing story:

• 4.5 yards per carry average at SMU
• 325 receiving yards on 38 catches in 2024
• 4.38-second 40-yard dash speed

While seventh-round picks rarely make instant impacts, Smith's special teams experience gives him multiple paths to earning a roster spot. This versatility puts extra pressure on Hunt, who turns 30 before the 2025 Season.

The Money Game

Kansas City's front office faces serious Salary Cap challenges:

• Currently $916,000 over projected 2025 cap
• Hunt's $1.48 million cap hit for 2025
• Potential $1.4 million savings by releasing Hunt

This financial reality makes Hunt vulnerable, especially with younger options like Isiah Pacheco and Keaontay Ingram already on cheaper contracts. The Chiefs have historically valued cap flexibility, as seen in their 2025 Contract Negotiations with JuJu Smith-Schuster and investments in rookie receivers.

Hunt's Chiefs Legacy at Stake

The Ohio native's Kansas City story comes full circle:

• 2017: Drafted by Chiefs (3rd round)
• 2017 Rookie Season: 1,327 rushing yards, 8 TDs
• 2024: Returns to Chiefs after Cleveland stint

While fans remember Hunt's explosive debut season, NFL rosters prioritize future potential over past glory. Smith's development during training camp could ultimately decide whether Hunt gets to finish his career in Kansas City.

What Comes Next?

The Chiefs' decision timeline looks like this:

• June-August: Training camp evaluations
• September 1: Final roster deadline
• Potential Outcomes: Hunt released, traded, or takes pay cut

If released, Hunt might draw interest from teams needing backfield depth, though his market value remains uncertain. For Kansas City, moving on from Hunt would complete their transition to a younger running back group while maintaining crucial cap space for defending their AFC West title.