Eric Bieniemy has been wanting to work with Kareem Hunt for a second time for at least a full year. Now that he's employed as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator, it makes sense that Bieniemy might find his wish granted for the '26 season.
Hunt is currently scheduled to hit free agency once a new league year begins in March. The veteran back will turn 31 years old before a new season begins, and it's possible that after nine NFL seasons, it's time to walk away from the game. But if Hunt is up for another go-around, it's not hard to imagine K.C. making the same overture it did last year.
The Chiefs offered Hunt a one-year deal with incentives that could reach $1.5 million in free agency. Word leaked after the signing in mid-March that Bieniemy was keen to lure him to Chicago as part of the Bears' backfield in '25. Bieniemy was running backs coach for Ben Johnson, and it made sense that he would want Hunt as a familiar face and short-yardage asset.
Eric Bieniemy’s return to Kansas City could reopen the door for another Kareem Hunt reunion given his demonstrated appreciation for the veteran back.
Hunt was the Chiefs' third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and led the NFL in rushing during his rookie campaign. However, in the midst of a blistering second season, Hunt was caught lying to the team about his involvement in an altercation with a woman and was subsequently released. From there, Hunt landed with the Cleveland Browns, where he spent the next five seasons through 2023.
In 2024, the Chiefs needed some help in the backfield after Isiah Pacheco suffered an early-season fibula fracture, and Hunt was signed after a positive visit. That season went so well that K.C. asked him back again in 2025, and he led the team in rushing with 611 yards and 8 touchdowns. With 15 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons, Hunt has proven production in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Chiefs.
Both Pacheco and Hunt are due to hit free agency at the same time, and Brashard Smith is the only running back of note under contract, so it's possible the Chiefs decide on wholesale changes to the depth chart. Even if Hunt is back, general manager Brett Veach is likely to sign a veteran and draft a rookie (or two) to improve the unit's performance going forward. However, with Bieniemy now on the sidelines once again, his history with and appreciation for Hunt could add fuel for another reunion for '26.