The Kansas City Chiefs have a welcome problem when it comes to how the team is going to manage carries between Kareem Hunt and a now healthy Isiah Pacheco moving forward. It was clear that at the end of the 2024 season that Pacheco didn't have his same power and burst coming off a serious injury. This was to be expected, but opened up an opportunity for Hunt to take a heavy load and regain standing with an organization that jettisoned the back what seems a lifetime ago. Hunt is continuing the momentum early on in camp and opened about the experience: "It feels good to get this spring work in and tune up and get ready for training camp."
While there is nothing outwardly concerning in this quote, it does serve as a reminder. Hunt is an established veteran who has a history with the organization. When the games mattered most last season, it was often the veteran back that the team was able to rely on for consistent positive yardage. This cannot be taken lightly and must have Pacheco on red alert, ready to prove that last season's step back was completely due to injuries.
Kareem Hunt Has Put Isaih Pacheco on Notice
In the Kansas City offense, this is a welcome problem to have, and in truth, not so much a problem as an interesting competition. In Andy Reid's offense, there are going to be plenty of touches for both players. This is especially the case with the future around Rashee Rice, remaining one of the biggest franchise question marks.
Having two players competing for touches and helping take the burden off Patrick Mahomes is a much-needed development. It will be interesting to see how Reid manages the duo and who the veteran coach opts to start early in the year.
With the team wanting to save Travis Kelce's best games for when it matters most, and having question marks at receiver, establishing an elite run game would be incredible. If Pacheco can return to form and Hunt is able to maintain last season's level of production, this is very much on the table.
Still, Pacheco selfishly has to be taking notice of how the back is performing and concerned about his standing. It is an interesting story to keep a close eye on throughout the summer and heading into the Chiefs' 2025 preseason.
